The fifth edition of the #Sofia DocuMental# International Film Festival, held from 28 September to 6 October 2024, celebrated human rights-focused documentary cinema with a series of awards. Czech director Klára Tasovská’s I Am Not Everything I Want to Be was awarded Best Film by a Woman Director, receiving a statuette and a financial prize provided by the Bulgarian Fund for Women and Sofia Municipality. The jury, includign Modern Times Review critic and industry editor #Steve Rickinson#, praised its profound exploration of self-identity and belonging across five decades, blending photography, personal history, and broader human truths. Annika Mayer’s Home Sweet Home earned an honourary diploma for its reflective examination of family memory.

The Audience Award went to Johatsu – Into Thin Air, directed by Andreas Hartmann and Agata Mori, a film about the mysterious disappearances in Japan.

Meanwhile, the Balkan Documentary Market also hosted its awards as part of the festival. The Best Pitch Award by the State Institute of Culture went to Death Café (Bulgaria), directed by Mariana Sabeva. The Lightdox Award was given to Step into the Comfort Zone (Ukraine), directed by Yuriy Dvizhon, for its bold portrayal of resilience and love. Childless (Bulgaria/Romania) by Maria Stanisheva and Ruxandra Gubernat received the Raina Consultancy Award for its moving narrative.

In the Balkan Watchers program, Wave (Georgia/Romania) won Best Film for its brave portrayal of censorship, while The Forest Glade (Ukraine) and Lost and Found: Uncovering the Truth (Romania) were also awarded. Podcasts such as Taxi Taxi (Georgia), Kaya’s Pursuit (Poland), and Alex’s New Job (Romania) were recognized for their innovative storytelling.

The festival concluded with Neterra TV+ offering online screenings until the end of October, expanding its reach to a wider audience.