Dojran, 16 July 2026 (MIA) - “Hold on to Me” by Myrsini Aristidou (Cyprus) won the top prize of this year’s “Across the Lake” Balkan and Mediterranean Film Festival. The award was announced at Wednesday’s ceremony in Dojran by the three-member jury, Miroslav Mitic, a screenwriter, producer and director from Serbia; Eleonora Veninova, writer and director, and Emilie Richelle, French film programmer.

In a recorded video screened at the ceremony, Aristidou thanked for the award saying she was honored that her film had been screened in Macedonia. 

Aleksandar Radivojevic for his film “Karmadonna” was named best Mediterranean film director for having “a bold and original directing vision”. The directing duo Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani got an honourable mention for their “Reflection in a Dead Diamond”. 

At the closing ceremony, Bulgarian actress Plamena Getova and Belgian actor Yannick Renier won the awards for best actress and best actor in the Mediterranean respectively. 

Iranian film “The Gambler” was recognised by the jury for its outstanding cinematic achievement under special working conditions, i.e. amid war. Cinematographer Dushan Kardalevski was the best cinematography award for Agim Abdula’s film “Coma”. 

Gjorgje Milenovic win the award for best score for his work in “Karmadonna” and “Antigone” was named best short film. 

The 5th “Across the Lake” festival this year was held from July 8-15 in Dojran, Gevgelija and Strumica.

Photo: MIA