Announcing the Polestar Audience Award Winners

Following an exhilarating month of European cinema, we're excited to announce the winner of the Polestar Audience Award, as voted by you!

Winner
The New Year That Never Came
Directed by Bogdan Mureșanu

Here's what you said:
"Wonderful film truly representing a time of fear before the end of the Cold War." 
"So well put together – and such an important story."

First Runner-Up
U Are the Universe
Directed by Pavlo Ostrikov

Here's what you said:
"A funny and light-hearted space adventure. An unlikely romance between a Ukrainian space trucker and a French geologist with an unexpected ending."
"Captivating performance by the lead. Managed balance the comedic elements without losing the obvious despair that might come with being trapped in space. Hope it gets more widely seen over the years."

Second Runner-Up
The Last Journey
Directed by Filip Hammar & Fredrik Wikingsson

Here's what you said:
"This movie was heartwarming and funny! It was an absolute tear-jerker while making you reflect on what is most important in life. A must see!"
"Humorous but poignant film about family connection and reliving past memories."

Congratulations to the winners of our major prizes, courtesy of Polestar – the Swedish luxury electric car brand. By casting their vote, Maureen from Melbourne and Anna from Sydney have each won a European-inspired weekend escape, complete with a premium electric Polestar car to get them there, plus a 10-pass to our next festival edition.

Au revoir!

That's a wrap for Europa! Europa 2025. 

Thanks for joining us for a celebration of the best of European movies across four weeks. We'll be back in 2026.

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