‘Black Dog’,‘Alpha’ and ‘Loveable’ are the big winners of FFO25

'Black Dog' enchants the LOOK!-competition jury 

The jury, led by director Wouter Bouvijn, was unanimous in its decision to crown 'Black Dog' by Chinese director Guan Hu as the winner of the LOOK! competition. After winning the Un Certain Regard Award at the Cannes Film Festival last year, the film now also takes home the top prize in Ostend.

'Black Dog' tells the story of a man who returns to his hometown on the edge of the Gobi Desert after serving a ten-year prison sentence. Everything has changed: the residents have been displaced from their home and stray dogs roam the area. Against his will, the ex-convict is tasked with tracking down a potentially dangerous dog. When man and dog come face to face, they form an unexpected bond.

According to the jury, the film stands out due to its exceptional cinematic vision and a gripping storytelling that creates a fascinating rhythm. 

The LOOK! competition highlights visually stunning films that must be seen on the big screen. According to the jury, the modern myth of 'Black Dog' establishes an impressive world from the very beginning.

‘Black Dog’ is distributed by Cinéart and will be released on the 23^rd of April. The award within the COOP! competition is accompanied by a cash prize of 10.000 euros for the distributor.

‘Alpha’ crowned as winner of the COOP!-competition

The jury, chaired by Cindy Godefroi (artistic director of Theater aan Zee), named ‘Alpha’ by Dutch director Jan-Willem van Ewijk as Best Film in the COOP! competition. This authentic and vulnerable mountain drama follows a father and son over the snow-covered peaks of the Alps. Together, they grieve the loss of their wife and mother. During their journey, they not only clash with each other's difficult personalities but also with the treacherous landscape of the inhospitable mountains. This international film was made possible through an intensive collaboration between the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Slovenia.

‘Alpha’, according to the jury, perfectly embodies the FFO25 theme SUPER NATURAL. Beyond its breathtaking nature shots, there is much happening beneath the surface.

With this award, the jury members also want to highlight director Jan-Willem van Ewijk.

In conclusion, the jury expressed how they were drawn into the emotions of the characters during the screening.

The film ‘Alpha’ is distributed by September Film and will be released in theaters later this year. The award within the COOP! competition is accompanied by a cash prize of 7,500 euros for the distributor.

The intimate portrait ‘Loveable’ captivates the SOON!-competition jury

The entire SOON! competition jury, chaired by actress Emilie De Roo, was deeply moved by ‘Loveable,’ the feature debut of Finnish director Lilja Ingolfsdottir. The film paints an intimate portrait of a woman’s relationship with her husband, her mother, her children, and—most importantly—herself.

The honesty and purity of the screenplay are reflected in both the cinematography and the acting. The jury emphasizes its admiration for actress Helga Guren, who portrays the introspection and struggles of the main character Maria without embellishment.

The SOON! competition highlights emerging directors at the beginning of their filmmaking careers. ‘Loveable’ wins Best Film. The title is distributed by September Film and will be released later this year. The distributor receives a cash prize of 5000 euros. 
The jury also wishes to give a special mention to ‘Winter in Sokcho’ by French-Japanese director Koya Kamura.

The screenplay of ‘Winter in Sokcho’ is based on the eponymous novel by Elisa Shua and explores themes of bicultural identity, longing, and self-acceptance. The protagonist, a receptionist at a guesthouse, sees her quiet life turned upside down by the arrival of a French guest seeking an authentic Korean experience. Through the eyes of an outsider, she discovers a new side of her country—and herself.

‘Winter in Sokcho’ is distributed by Paradiso Films and will be released on the 26^th of February.

‘Black Dog’ also convinces the film press

In addition to winning Best Film in the LOOK! competition, 'Black Dog' by Guan Hu has also been named the winner of the UFK-UCC Press Jury Prize.

The Ostend Film Festival reached a record number of visitors in 2025. This record-breaking edition closes the 8^th of February with the world première of ‘2050’ by Eric Goens. 

The entire organization would like to thank Master Charlotte Vandermeersch, who with her theme, commitment and warmth, made both the audience, the talent and the audiovisual professionals feel completely at home in Ostend.

Next year, FFO will take place from the 30^th of January until the 7^th of February 2026.