NEWS
Beyond Silence wins the MIOB in Shorts Award 2026

The award, worth €1,000, recognises outstanding European short filmmaking and is distinguished by its audience-driven format: the winning film is chosen entirely by public vote.

The winner was announced at the awards ceremony of the 36th FilmFestival Cottbusin Germany, following an online competition featuring twelve short films nominated by the six MIOB member festivals. Audiences worldwide watched and voted for their favourites on the This Is Short streaming platform between September 1 and October 15, 2026.

Addressing sexual abuse, institutional power and the difficulties of speaking out, BEYOND SILENCE received the most votes in a closely contested competition. The award follows the film’s success at the Tribeca Festival and Palm Springs International ShortFest in 2025

Director Marnie Blok's statement on the occasion of the MIOB In Shorts Award:

"Silence may feel safe at first. But in choosing it, we rob ourselves of something fundamental, our voice, and with that, a very basic human right: to be heard and to participate. BEYOND SILENCE holds space for those who've been silenced. By championing our film, you've expanded that space. You are amplifying voices that need to be heard."

Statement by Merlin Bodenstedt, Head of Programme Coordination, FilmFestival Cottbus:

"With the MIOB In Shorts Award, we want to contribute to one of our network’s goals and give a platform to recent European cinema by bringing together various cinematic voices, perspectives and stories, offering a glimpse into the diversity of European filmmaking. What makes MIOB in Shorts exciting is that short films allow us to showcase a wide range not only of these perspectives, but also of different styles, from more classic approaches to experimental forms, with short films often pushing the boundaries of storytelling. By letting the audience vote for the winning film, we try not only to bring together the films and stories, but also to connect audiences across borders."

→ Trailer of Beyond Silence
→ MIOB in Shorts Award
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