The 34th International Festival of Ethnological Film in Belgrade finished on 7, December.

Our documentary film YOU RIVER by directing student Izabela Zubrycka, with cinematography by a cinematography student Merlijn Willemsen, received a special mention for cinematography.

Jury statement:
Shot in striking black and white, its cinematography adopts the perspective of the river itself, gliding through gatherings, animals, and quiet rituals with a calm, unbroken gaze that feels both ancient and alive. The camera becomes a living current, dissolving the boundary between viewer and landscape, allowing us to experience the world not as observers but as the river's own steady, remembering flow.

YOU RIVER
Credits:
direction: Izabela Zubrycka
cinematography: Merlijn Willemsen
editing: Filip Dziuba
production management: Jagoda Surzycka
artistic supervision: Maciej Drygas, Jacek Petrycki, Marta Prus

Film synopsis: A portrayal of a river with which we journey through the world of nature, ritual, and imagination. The river's current intertwines with the current of human life. So what does the river sing about?

Congratulations to the filmmakers, and especially to Merlijn – this is the second time his cinematography work in the film YOU RIVER has been highly evaluated!

Jury verdict: etnofilm.org/index.php/en/about-us/festival/2-uncategorised/2371-34th-winners-announced