For the fifth consecutive year, the company A-media — co-founded by Jožko Markič — in collaboration with the University of Nova Gorica Foundation, has awarded prizes to support selected undergraduate and master’s students of the UNG School of Arts. Each year, the University of Nova Gorica Foundation grants the donated funds as an award to a student of the School of Arts who, in addition to producing high-quality academic work, plays a meaningful role in connecting fellow students with the broader social environment.
In 2024, the awards were presented to Vukašin Panić (undergraduate student) and Brina Fekonja (master’s student).
Award Justifications 2024
Justification: Vukašin Panić
Vukašin Panić is a final-year undergraduate student of the Digital Arts and Practices program, majoring in Videofilm.
Originally from Serbia, Vukašin quickly found his place in Nova Gorica. Very soon, his readiness to collaborate became apparent – whether in creative projects or in supporting fellow students at the academy.
Although he has not yet completed his graduation film, which might be seen as a shortcoming, we certainly do not see it that way. If we take a look at the long list of film and project collaborations with other students from the academy, it becomes clear that he has tirelessly supported his colleagues in realizing their work. Film is, after all, a collective endeavor; while individual video essays can be made alone, fiction or documentary films require a reliable and dedicated team. Vukašin has precisely such an impressive record of participation, meaning he has gained a serious range of valuable and diverse experiences—essential references for his future career.
Most often, Vukašin’s name appears in the end credits of these student films, many of which travel to festivals. However, he has also received individual recognition. Notably, at the Zagreb Film Festival 2024, he and master’s student Mete Arkin received first place at the INDUSTRY YOUTH! Pitching workshop, where they presented a film in development—Mete as director and Vukašin as producer. Competing against film schools from across the region, they won the top award, which included financial support for the film. That challenging project was filmed this past summer and represents a unique contribution to the collective memory of the Soča Valley region.
As I emphasize every year, the Jožko Markič Award does not only reward artistic or academic excellence but recognizes balance and community contribution. Vukašin is undoubtedly one of those students who has been—and continues to be—closely connected to students from all generations. He is consistently creative, supportive, and always willing to share his knowledge.
Vukašin Panić truly deserves the Jožko Markič Award for the quality of his creative work and the support he continuously provides within his academic environment.
Justification: Brina Fekonja
Brina Fekonja is a final-year master’s student in the Media Arts and Practices program, majoring in Animation.
Brina joined the master’s program as an already experienced collaborator in the world of animation. We knew her as an organizer of events at both local and international animation festivals, as a workshop leader and coordinator—but not yet as a film author. She entered her studies with a clear vision of what she wanted to explore as a future animation artist.
While developing her main master’s project, a short stop-motion animated film titled Lišaja, characterized by a strong personal signature, she also created several smaller works. These were outcomes of her experimentation within various academic subjects and with different mentors.
All of these works were successful in public presentations. They were selected for inclusion in events such as Ars Electronica in Linz and the exhibition program at the Kino Otok festival.
In 2024, Brina received the DSAF Award (Društvo slovenskega animiranega filma / Slovenian Animated Film Association) for her student animation project in development. We expect her graduation film to soon begin its journey through regional and international animation and film festivals.
Beyond her artistic research and production, Brina also fulfills the second core criterion of the Jožko Markič Award. She has consistently been a valuable and dependable support to her peers in a variety of situations. Even before her studies with us, Brina was actively contributing to the development of the animation community—through festivals promoting European animated film and workshops for young talent. During her studies, she has proven herself as a strong and promising author. We are convinced that, after graduation, Brina will continue to unite and build upon all her strengths and roles within the world of art and animated film.