Elias Stanković is a 19-year-old German filmmaker. As the son of a Serbian mother and a Turkish father, he grew up navigating multiple cultures, confronting both the richness of diverse traditions and the challenges of belonging. His films create immersive worlds that invite viewers to empathise with complex emotions, blending striking visuals with narratives that honor tradition while boldly daring to break through them.

Stanković’s latest short film, TATA (2025), is a deeply personal exploration of loss, grief and unresolved fear, shaped by cultural rituals and personal experience. Drawing from real experiences, the film delves into the weight of mourning and letting go, knowing that some wounds may remain unhealed. With a minimalist and realist approach, TATA crafts quiet tension while delivering real emotional depth. At its core, TATA is an unfiltered, honest portrayal of raw human emotion.