28/02/2025 - The European film festival network has selected seven features by emerging filmmakers to be screened at all the network's festivals throughout the year

The SMART7 European film festival network has unveiled this year’s competition line-up, featuring seven films by emerging filmmakers that will tour the continent. Each of the selected titles will be showcased across all seven festivals within the network: Vilnius IFF Kino Pavasaris (Lithuania), IndieLisboa IFF (Portugal), FILMADRID IFF (Spain), Transilvania IFF (Romania), New Horizons IFF (Poland), Reykjavik IFF (Iceland), and Thessaloniki IFF (Greece). The tour kicks off in March at the Vilnius IFF Kino Pavasaris.

For the third consecutive year, the SMART7 network has curated a selection of European films by promising directors, chosen for their authenticity and bold storytelling. The initiative aims to foster development within the festival industry while providing a platform for emerging voices to connect with international audiences. The joint programme includes one film from each of the SMART7 countries, highlighting fresh talent and diverse narratives.

The Romanian entry, Internal Zero [+see also:
film review
interview: Eugen Jebeleanu
film profile], will be the only one to have its world premiere in March at Vilnius IFF Kino Pavasaris. Directed by Eugen Jebeleanu, known for his debut Poppy Field [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Eugen Jebeleanu
film profile], the film is based on Lavinia Braniște’s best-selling novel and follows Cristina, a mid-30s secretary struggling with life in a detached and hostile Bucharest. Adapted by Ioana Moraru, the film features Valentina Zaharia, Cendana Trifan, Cristina Drăghici, and Katia Pascariu (Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Radu Jude
film profile]).

Jebeleanu shared his thoughts on the project: “This project continues my interest in portraying vulnerable people, as in my first film. Through non-conventional tools, Internal Zero employs a cross-disciplinary approach to cinema, exploring the dynamics of filmmaking and questioning the boundary between fact and fiction. I had a great team and three fabulous actresses, Cendana Trifan, Cristina Drăghici and Valentina Zaharia, who embody the different faces of my central hero, Cristina. This SMART7 selection makes me very happy, it will give our work wide, international exposure.”

Adding to the line-up, the Lithuanian competition film, Drowning Dry [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Laurynas Bareiša
film profile] by Laurynas Bareiša, which received awards for acting and directing in Locarno, captures a summer weekend where the lives of two sisters and their families take a dark and unexpected turn. Portugal’s Hanami [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Denise Fernandes
film profile] by first time writer-director Denise Fernandes, was also awarded at Locarno and Göteborg earlier this year. The film blends magical realism with the stunning backdrop of a volcanic island to depict a girl’s coming-of-age journey after being abandoned by her mother.

Spain’s entry is Sandra Romero’s debut As Silence Passes By [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Sandra Romero
film profile], which premiered in San Sebastián last year. The film offers a raw, documentary-like perspective on a family drama, where a young man returns home to confront past conflicts and guilt. Meanwhile, Poland’s Travel Essentials, directed by Kamila Tarabura, presents a gripping mystery filled with twists as it explores a childhood trauma and the secrets buried within. Representing Iceland, Epilogue [+see also:
film review
interview: Ari Alexander Ergis Magnússon
film profile] by Ari Alexander Ergis Magnússon tells the story of an ageing man who, in his grief, consumes his wife's ashes—an act that triggers a surreal journey through his memories. Finally, Meat [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Dimitris Nakos
film profile], by Greek director Dimitris Nakos, delves into a deeply rooted and almost mythical neighbourhood feud that escalates into tragedy.

At the end of the festival circuit, an international jury comprising young film professionals will select the winning director, who will receive a €5,000 prize. Last year, the SMART7 award went to Polish director Maria Zbąska for her debut film It’s Not My Film, announced during the 65th Thessaloniki International Film Festival’s closing gala.

Supported by the Creative Europe MEDIA Programme, SMART7 aims to promote European films while fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas between young filmmakers and audiences. Beyond the film screenings, the network organises a range of activities to encourage international collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the festival community.