During the Berlinale festival, the first awards were presented, showcasing the emerging talents and compelling stories that resonate in today's cinematic landscape. In the Panorama section, the audience-favorite award for Best Feature Film went to 'Prosecution' by Faraz Shariati. This film tells the powerful story of a young female prosecutor who confronts extreme right-wing ideologies in Eastern Germany, serving as a poignant reflection of contemporary societal challenges.

Additionally, the award for Best Documentary was given to 'Traces,' a gripping Ukrainian-Polish co-production directed by Alisa Kowalenko and Marysia Nikitiuk. The film chronicles the harrowing experiences of Ukrainian women who fall victim to sexual violence and torture amidst the ongoing war. Its central character, Iryna Dowhan, a former prisoner and now an activist, dedicates herself to gathering testimonies from women affected by trauma in non-occupied territories of Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and truth-seeking within these communities.

'“Traces” not only documents war crimes but also showcases the unbreakable bonds of solidarity among women who endure shared tragedies. The film is co-produced by Polish producers Violetta Kamińska, Izabela Wójcik, and Dariusz Jabłoński from Message Film, highlighting the collaborative efforts across borders to tell vital stories that deserve attention and understanding.