Sebastián Hoffman, and J. Chavez Montes from Mexico, Alvaro Gago from Spain, and Valeria Bertucelli from Argentina; Awarded

By Leopoldo Soto

"Sundance" is as personal as the name of the character that Redford himself played in "Buctch Cassidy, and the Sundance Kid" (George Roy Hill, 1969) as well as the tribute paid to screenwriter Waldo Salt, who wrote the screenplay for " Midnight cowboy "(1969), in which Redford also participated. It is also a recognition of one of those persecuted during McCarthyism, accused of communism; as Dalton Trumbo (Johnny took his rifle) Joseph Losey (The boy with Green hair) among others of the so-called "Hollywood ten". It praises to the festival that the prize of script takes the name "Waldo Salt".

The festival was born in 1978, as "U.S. Film Festival, shortly thereafter, Sundance Institute assumed creative control in 1984; from the 1985 edition it would begin to bear the name Sundance Film Festival, under the direction of Tony Safford.

It is currently the most important independent film festival of E.U.

The festival that year included the screening of titles like "The Falcon and the Snowman", "The Killing Fields", Blood Simple ", the debut of the Coen brothers," and Stranger Than Paradise.

Over the years, films like "Hannah and Her Sisters" by Woody Allen, "Hairspray" (which years later would be re-turned in Hollywood), Sex, Lies, and Videotape, Night on Earth, the Mexican "Como agua para chocolate" have been presented , "Four Weddings and a Funeral", the Cuban "Strawberry and Chocolate", the Franco-Brazilian "Central do Brasil", "The Opposite of Sex", "The Blair Witch Project", "The Virgin Suicides", "American Psycho "," Donnie Darko "," Memento "and" Little Miss Sunshine ", among others.

SUNDANCE 2018

The festival awards that were held from January 22 to 28, under the cold of the Utah mountains are divided into two categories: E.U. and International; at the same time in documentary and Drama (fiction). In the section E.U. was awarded "The Miseducation of Cameron Post," drama about gay conversion therapy by director Desiree Akhavan, played by American actress Chloë Grace. Chloe, was recognized by the public at its world premiere; is the story of a teenager who is forced to undergo therapy after being discovered having sex with a school graduation queen. "On behalf of the entire 'Cameron Post' team we want to dedicate this award to the survivors of the LGTB community for conversion therapy," said Moretz, in a recorded message that could not be reproduced due to technical errors. The Documentary Prize of E.U. it was for "Kailash" by Derek Doneen, About the Nobel Prize winner, Kailash Satyarth who enacted  a crusade to end child slavery. The prize of the audience for the best film of E.U. it was taken by "Burden", by Andrew Heckler. The award for the best documentary director of E.U. Alexandria Bombach took it for "On Her Shoulders," a portrait of a Yazidi girl who survived sexual slavery at the hands of the Islamic State group, while the audience award in this category was taken by "The Sentence.""Butterflies" won the grand jury award for best international film while "Of Fathers and Sons," on the jihadist radicalization in the home, by the celebrated Syrian filmmaker Talal Derki, won in the category of international documentary. The best short film, selected among the projected 69, was "Matria" by Alvaro Gago, a work that narrates the daily life of a woman, with a precarious job and little communication with her husband, who takes refuge in the relationship that unites him to his daughter and her granddaughter. "Mudbound", by Dee Rees, who took Netflix for $ 12.5 million at last year's festival, has Oscar nominations for best adapted screenplay, best supporting actress, best cinematography and best original song.

AWARDS

U.S. DRAMA

Grand Jury Prize: "The Miseducation of Cameron Post"

Audience Award: "Burden"

Direction: Sara Colangelo, "The Kindergarten Teacher"

Screenwriting Award Waldo Salt: Christina Choe, "Nancy"

Special jury prize for the first outstanding presentation: Reinaldo Marcus Green, "Monsters and Men".

Special jury prize for excellence in realization: Reed Morano, "I Think We're Alone Now"

Special jury prize in acting: Benjamin Dickey, "Blaze"

U.S. DOCUMENTARY 

Grand Jury Prize: "Kailash"

Audience Award: "The Sentence"

Address: Alexandria Bombach, "On Her Shoulders"

Special prize of the jury of social impact: "Crime + Punishment"

Special jury prize for creative vision: "Hale County This Morning, This Evening"

Special jury prize for storytelling: "Three Identical Strangers".

Special jury prize for the first successful performance: "Minding the Gap"

Next Prize: "Night Comes On" (United States), by Jordana Spiro; photographed by the Mexican Hatuey Viveros.

INTERNATIONAL FILM DRAMA

Grand Jury Prize: "Butterflies"

Audience Award: "The Guilty"

Direction: Isold Uggadottir, "And Breathe Normally"

Special jury for acting: Valeria Bertuccelli, from Argentina, "The Queen of Fear"

Special jury prize for script: Julio Chavezmontes and Sebastian Hofmann, "Timeshare"

Special jury prize for joint performance: "Dead Pigs".

The Mexican "Night On Fire", by Tatiana Huezo, won one of the awards from the Sundance Film Institute in support of independent films around the world. (Parallel Prize)

INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY

Grand Jury Prize: "Of Fathers and Sons"

Audience Award: "This is Home"

Direction: Sandi Tan, "Shirkers"

Special jury prize for masterful narration: Steven Loveridge, "M.I.A."

Special edition jury prize: "Our New President"

Special prize of the photography jury: Maxim Arbugaev, Peter Indergand "Genesis 2.0"

SHORT

"Matria" by Alvaro Gao, Spain

Willem Dafoe.  

The 68^th edition of the Berlin International Film Festival is dedicating this year’s Homage to American film and theatre actor Willem Dafoe and presenting him with an Honorary Golden Bear in recognition of his life’s work. To accompany the awarding of the Honorary Golden Bear, a screening of Daniel Nettheim’s film The Hunter (Australia 2011) will take place following the official presentation at Berlinale Palast on Tuesday, February 20, 2018. The film programme for the Homage is curated by Deutsche Kinemathek.

Willem Dafoe has participated in more than 100 film productions, enriching them with his expressive performances and formidable presence. His enormous technical range as an actor extends all the way from the personification of the unfathomably evil to the portrayal of Jesus of Nazareth. In addition to his celebrated cinematic appearances, Dafoe has also pursued a parallel career in theatre, his other passion.

“Willem Dafoe is a close friend of the festival and has often been a guest at the Berlinale in the past in the scope of film screenings and even as a member of the International Jury in 2007,” comments Festival Director Dieter Kosslick. “I am really looking forward now to welcoming him to the 2018 edition of the festival as a guest of honour and recognising his lifetime achievement with the Honorary Golden Bear.”

Willem Dafoe began studying theatre formally at the age of 17. In 1977, he was one of the founding members of the renowned New York theatre ensemble “The Wooster Group”, where he remained a member for several decades. In addition to his activities on stage, Dafoe increasingly began to turn his attention to film work starting in the early 1980s. He first gained exposure through his appearance in Kathryn Bigelow’s debut film The Loveless (1981) and in Streets of Fire (1984) by Walter Hill. In William Friedkin’s police thriller To Live and Die in L.A. (1985) he played ruthless counterfeiter Eric “Ric” Masters, a villain who will stop at nothing in order to neutralise his adversaries.

In 1986, Dafoe’s portrayal of Sergeant Elias Grodin in Oliver Stone’s anti-war drama Platoon would expose him to a wider audience. He received his first Academy Award nomination for his performance in the break-through film. Two years later, Martin Scorsese successfully recruited him to fill the leading role as Jesus Christ in his hotly debated literary adaptation The Last Temptation of Christ (1988). Still in the same year, Dafoe co-starred alongside Gene Hackman in director Alan Parker’s civil-rights-era drama Mississippi Burning (1988). In the film, Dafoe plays a young FBI agent fighting against racism and the Ku Klux Klan.

Many multifaceted roles would follow, in films such as Born on the Fourth of July (1989), Wim Wenders’ In weiter Ferne, so nah! (Faraway, So Close! 1993) and The English Patient (1996). In the year 2000, Dafoe shined as Max Schreck in the horror film Shadow of the Vampire by director E. Elias Merhige. His brilliant turn as a member of the undead earned him his second Academy Award nomination.

In 2002 Dafoe appeared under the direction of Paul Schrader in the biopic Auto Focus. In 2004 Dafoe collaborated with director Wes Anderson on the latter’s The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou. Parallel to these appearances, he slipped into the role of Norman Osborn, aka the villainous “Green Goblin”, three times for the Spider-Man movie franchise (in 2002, 2004 and 2007).

In 2009 Danish director Lars von Trier cast him as the male lead alongside Charlotte Gainsbourg in his psycho-thriller Antichrist— the film became the subject of controversy due to scenes featuring graphic sex and violence. In 2011 Dafoe put on an extraordinary acting performance once again as a lonely hunter in Daniel Nettheim’s thriller The Hunter. Three years later, in Abel Ferrara’s biopic Pasolini Dafoe portrayed the Italian filmmaker in the final period of his life, shortly before his murder.

On stage he has worked with Richard Foreman in “Idiot Savant” at The Public Theatre and two international productions with Robert Wilson: “The Old Woman” opposite Mikhail Baryshnikov and “The Life and Death of Marina Abramovic”. For the latter project, Italian actor and director Giada Colagrande followed the rehearsals with her camera, capturing footage that would later form the basis for a documentary film (2012). Willem Dafoe most recently performed a new theatre piece, “The Minister's Black Veil”, based on Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story and directed by Romeo Castellucci.

Last year Dafoe has appeared in Kenneth Branagh’s feature Murder on the Orient Express (2017). The German-American joint effort The Sleeping Shepherd (directed by Frank Hudec) is currently in pre-production. He has also finished filming under the direction of Julian Schnabel for At Eternity’s Gate, in which he plays Vincent van Gogh. From March 2018 onwards, German cinema audiences will be able to see Willem Dafoe in the much feted feature The Florida Project (directed by Sean Baker). Dafoe’s role in The Florida Project earned him both a nomination for the British BAFTA Awards and recently his third nomination for an Academy Award, in the category of Best Supporting Actor.

The ten films of the Homage:

Antichrist (Denmark / Germany / France / Sweden / Italy / Poland 2009, Director: Lars von Trier)

Auto Focus (USA 2002, Director: Paul Schrader)

The Hunter (Australia 2011, Director: Daniel Nettheim)

The Last Temptation of Christ (USA / Canada 1988, Director: Martin Scorsese)

The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou (USA 2004, Director: Wes Anderson)

Mississippi Burning (USA 1988, Director: Alan Parker)

Pasolini (France / Italy / Belgium 2014, Director: Abel Ferrara)

Platoon (USA 1986, Director: Oliver Stone)

Shadow of the Vampire (USA / United Kingdom / Luxembourg 2000, Director: E. Elias Merhige)

To Live and Die in L.A. (USA 1985, Director: William Friedkin)

The Bookshop, a production between Spain, the UK and Germany, directed by Isabel Coixet got Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director and Best Film awards at the 32nd Goya ceremony held in Madrid. 

However, Giant (Handia) a basque production was the most awarded film that night taken 10 Goyas and just about to be the big surprise.

Nathalie Poza, who won Best Actress for Can´t say goodbye and Javier Gutiérrez took his second Goya for Best Actor for The Author.

Marisa Paredes received the Honorary Goya for her successfull career.

click to watch the photo gallery by Cinthia Aparicio.

https://youtu.be/Lwq-JSZaAww

Cinequest Film & VR Festival Honors Award Winning Actor, Icon and Modern-Day Legend Nicolas Cage at 28^th Annual Celebration of Film and Technology

  Genre-Bending Cinema Legend Presented with Prestigious Award at Special Festival Event on February 28

Cinequest, a vanguard organization that fuses creativity with technological innovation to empower, improve, and transform the lives of people and communities, today announced that it will bestow its most prestigious award to a true modern-day legend of film.  In a special event on February 28^th , Nicolas Cage will receive Cinequest’s highest honor, the Maverick Spirit Award for his contributions to the film canon and cinema’s ongoing evolution. This special event will take place during the Cinequest Film & VR Festival in Silicon Valley, February 27^th– March 11^th, 2018.
 
“The astounding volume of work aside, Nicolas Cage’s versatility, craft and courage as an actor have made him one of the most recognized and revered artists of our time,” said Halfdan Hussey, co-founder and CEO of Cinequest. “From emotional, nuanced performances in films like Leaving Las Vegas and Adaptation, to high octane edge-of-your-seat energy in box office darlings like National Treasure and The Rock, to his unparalleled comedic performances in Raising Arizona and Moonstruck, the impact he has had on the film industry cannot be measured, and we’re thrilled to honor this titan of entertainment and host him at the festival.”
 
Charting his own course, in a career spanning four decades, Cage has seemingly done it all, working with the best actors, directors (Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, Mike Figgis, Norman Jewison, the Coen brothers, Werner Herzog, Oliver Stone, Ridley Scott, Spike Jonze, to name a few), and writers, producing great film after film, in virtually every genre. Besides his extensive résumé of roles, Cage has earned numerous accolades and awards, including an Academy Award nomination for Adaptation and Best Actor win for his performance in the heart-wrenching Leaving Las Vegas.
 
In maverick fashion, Cage adds “virtual reality actor” to his list of accolades, embracing this new medium for entertainment. His incredible new sci-fi movie, The Humanity Bureau, produced by Canadian based Minds Eye Entertainment, will be released in theatres on April 6^th while its companion virtual reality experience, The Humanity Bureau VRevolution, will make its world premiere at Cinequest. A standalone episodic virtual reality series, The Humanity Bureau VRevolution gives audiences an immersive, 360 degree view of Cage’s ability to span not only different genres and styles – but mediums.
 
Nicolas Cage joins Cinequest on February 28^th at the illustrious California Theatre, for an award presentation and conversation about his life, career and ongoing work. Cinequest VR Visionary Award honoree and producer of the VR series, The Humanity Bureau VRevolution, Travis Cloyd, will join Cage at this evening event, alongside The Humanity Bureau producer Kevin DeWalt and director Rob King, to help commemorate his achievements and discuss his approach to acting within an immersive and technologically driven format. 
 
Founded by leading Silicon Valley leaders and film artists, Cinequest chose to names its highest honor, Mavericks Spirit, because originality, boldness, risk-taking, and creativity define the best of the world of art and innovation.  Past recipients include: Harrison Ford, Michael Keaton, JJ Abrams, Gus Van Sant, Spike Lee, Sir Ian McKellen, and Rosario Dawson. Please watch Cinequest Maverick Spirit 3 min video.
 
Renowned for the exceptional quality and diversity of its program, CQ2018 will screen 229 film and short films, and 29 virtual reality experiences. With 510 screenings, events, parties and experiences, Cinequest will be the venue for 75 World and 55 U.S. premieres, representing works from 45 countries. Showcasing the emerging realm of virtual reality, attendees are invited to immerse themselves in this new storytelling medium at its curated VR Cinema and VR Experience Lounge.  Over the 13-day program, Silicon Valley becomes the epicenter of tech and entertainment as global filmmakers, futurists, writers, technologists, actors and converge to celebrate their work in the world’s leading innovation community and one of the most diverse metros in the world.
 
To learn more about the full festival lineup, and to purchase festival passes, tickets to screenings and special events, visit www.cinequest.org.
 
About Cinequest
A vanguard organization set in the Silicon Valley, Cinequest’s uniqueness and impact result from being ahead of the curve in the powerful integration of creativity and technology. Cinequest fuses the world of the filmed arts with that of Silicon Valley’s innovation to empower youth, artists, and innovators to create and connect – driving transformations and a better tomorrow. Cinequest does this through Cinequest Film & VR Festival, Picture The Possibilities, and its sister company Cinequest Mavericks Studio. (Voted Best Film Festival by USA Today Readers.)

60+ judges screened over 300 hours to select these finalists!

Audience Choice Award: Mark Hayes’ SKID ROW MARATHON

Best Documentary Short Film Award: Kyle Morrison’s MOTT HAVEN

Bruce Corwin Award – Best Live Action Short Film: Richard Van’s AUDITION

Bruce Corwin Award – Best Animated Short Film: Randall Christopher’s THE DRIVER IS RED

Best Documentary Award: Grant Korgan and Geoff Callan’s THE PUSH

Jeffrey C. Barbakow Award – Best International Feature Film: Gjorce Stavreski’s SECRET INGREDIENT (Iscelitel)

Panavision Spirit Award for Independent Cinema: Molly McGlynn’s MARY GOES ROUND

Nueva Vision Award for Spain/Latin America Cinema: Pablo Solarz’s THE LAST SUIT (El último traje)

Special Mention: Denny Brechner, Alfonso Guerrero and Marcos Hecht’s GET THE WEED (Misión no oficial)

Valhalla Award for Best Nordic Film: Antti-Jussi Annila’s THE ETERNAL ROAD (Ikitie)

ADL Stand Up Award: Talya Tibbon and Joshua Bennett’s SKY AND GROUND

Social Justice Award for Documentary Film: Ludovic Bonleux’s GUERRERO

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF), presented by UGG®, announced today the highly anticipated winners for its 33^rd year at a ceremony held in their honor. Awards in all categories were announced, culminating in the coveted Audience Choice Award, which went to Mark Hayes’ SKID ROW MARATHON. The films were chosen by jury members Jan Bijvoet, Geoffrey Cowper, Mimi deGruy, Martin Gooch, Perry Lang, Jesus Lloveras, Marc Meyers, José Novoa, Artie Schmidt, Leslie Zemeckis, Anthony Zerbe, and Arnette Zerbe.

Three awards were handed out for short films. The Bruce Corwin Award for Best Live Action Short Film went to Richard Van’s AUDITION. The Bruce Corwin Award for Best Animated Short Film went to Randall Christopher’s THE DRIVER IS RED. Best Documentary Short Film was awarded to Kyle Morrison’s MOTT HAVEN.

The Best Documentary Film Award went to Grant Korgan and Geoff Callan’s THE PUSH. The jury remarked that "We chose THE PUSH as the best feature documentary because it was a riveting, well told story with excellent camera work, and superb editing that kept us engaged the entire time."

Gjorce Stavreski’s SECRET INGREDIENT (Iscelitel) is the recipient of the Jeffrey C. Barbakow Award for Best International Film. The Jury remarked that “It’s outstanding direction and the terrific performances of all the cast make it hard to believe that it’s a directorial debut.”

Molly McGlynn’s MARY GOES ROUND took home the Panavision Spirit Award for Independent Cinema. The Jury remarked that “Aya Cash’s performance beautifully depicts the intense, painful descent into alcohol addiction and its consequences. “

The Nueva Vision Award for Spain/Latin America Cinema went to Pablo Solarz’s THE LAST SUIT (El último traje) for it’s for its theme, mise-en-scene, and great performances. The Jury also had a special mention for Denny Brechner, Alfonso Guerrero and Marcos Hecht’s GET THE WEED (Misión no oficial) for it was a great surprise, full of humor and made with great effort, that every single person in the audience enjoyed.

The Valhalla Award for Best Nordic Film was awarded to Antti-Jussi Annila’s THE ETERNAL ROAD (Ikitie). The Jury remarked that the film “told a fascinating story about an unknown period in history, featuring excellent performances, a gripping narrative with wonderful cinematography and production design.”

Sponsored by Santa Barbara and Tri-Counties ADL, The ADL Stand Up Award went to Talya Tibbon and Joshua Bennett’s SKY AND GROUND. ADL remarked that “in furtherance of our mission ‘to secure justice and fair treatment for all,’ ADL is pleased to stand up with SKY AND GROUND, a film that stands for respecting human dignity amidst fear and bigotry.” 

Sponsored by Pacific Standard, The Social Justice Award for Documentary Film went to Ludovic Bonleux’s GUERRERO. They Jury remarked that this is “an essential story about the fallout from a mass kidnapping in a historic Mexican city that takes its time making the viewer feel a region’s collective pain and determination; the people of this city seek not just justice from a corrupt government, but also answers as to what happened to their children. It’s a film everyone should see—and one we won’t soon forget.”

The Audience Choice Award sponsored by the Santa Barbara Independent went to Mark Hayes’ SKID ROW MARATHON. On LA's Skid Row, a criminal court judge organizes a running club comprised of homeless, recovering alcoholics, and paroled men and women who seek to rediscover their sense of self-worth and dignity.

In the wake of the wildfires and deadly mudslides that have recently affected the local area, SBIFF each day highlighted a different organization making a positive impact on the environment and the victims, and encouraged festival attendees to support. The nonprofits and organizations included United Way of Santa Barbara, Red Cross, Direct Relief, Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, Santa Barbara Foundation’s Community Disaster Relief Fund, Habitat for Humanity, Unity Shoppe, Salvation Army, "Feed the Firefighters of Montecito" GoFundMe, Santa Barbara Humane Society, and Easy Lift Transportation.

ABOUT THE SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and educational organization dedicated to discovering and showcasing the best in independent and international cinema. Over the past 32 years, SBIFF has become one of the leading film festivals in the United States – attracting 100,000 attendees and offering 11 days of 200+ films, tributes and symposiums, fulfilling their mission to engage, enrich, and inspire the Santa Barbara community through film.

Sponsors of the 33^rd SBIFF include: UGG^®, Belvedere Vodka, Toyota Mirai, City of Santa Barbara, Amazon Studios, Dom Pérignon, ADL, Montecito Bank & Trust, Visit the Santa Ynez Valley, IMDBpro, Santa Barbara Foundation, Union Bank, Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation, Patagonia, Winchester Mystery House, Pacific Standard, Riordan Foundation, Lynda Weinman & Bruce Heavin, Volentine Family Foundation, and many more supporting through trade.

SBIFF continues its commitment to education and the community through free programs like its 10-10-10 Student Filmmaking and Screenwriting Competitions, Mike’s Field Trip to the Movies, National Film Studies Program, AppleBox Family Films, 3rd Weekend and educational seminars. In June of 2016, SBIFF entered a new era with the acquisition of the historic and beloved Riviera Theatre.  The theatre is SBIFF’s new home and is the catalyst for program expansion and marks the first time that Santa Barbara has had a 24/7 community center to expand their mission of educational outreach.

For the 32nd time, the TEDDY AWARD will be awarded during the International Film Festival Berlin (Feb.15-25, 2017). The festive award ceremony for the world’s most important queer film prize will take place on February 23, 2018 in the Haus der Berliner Festspiele.

Several Diversity Talks will take place in the lead-up to the award ceremony:

Tuesday, 20.02.2018

TEDDY Diversity Talks @ BRLO Brwhouse, Schöneberger Straße 16, 10963 Berlin (U-Bhf. Gleisdreieck), presented by L‘Oréal Paris

11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Before Pride: Queer Film Pioneers on their legacy and contemporary work
Jerry Tartaglia is an experimental filmmaker and writer whose work in experimental film and Queer Cinema began in the early 1970s. For more than twenty years, Jerry Tartaglia has also worked on restoring, preserving and exhibiting the film legacy of queer film pioneer Jack Smith. “Escape from Rented Island: The Lost Paradise of Jack Smith”, Tartaglia’s film essay about the work of Jack Smith, premieres at the Forum Expanded.

Panelist: Jerry Tartaglia - Escape From Rented Island: The Lost Paradise of Jack Smith

Moderation: Toby Ashraf

Registration at https://www.eventbrite.de/e/teddy-diversity-talk-before-pride-registration-42704942633

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Bodies of Evidence: The Sensual and Political Power of Transformation
Directors Claudia Priscilla / Kiko Goifman and Evangelia Kranioti delve into the queer underground of Brazil, portraying the female trans* body as a symbol of transformation, sensual celebration and political resistance.

Panelists: Evangelia Kranioti - Obscuro Barocco
Kiko Goifman, Claudia Priscilla & Linn da Quebrada - Bixa Travesty

Moderation: Margarita Tsomou

Registration at https://www.eventbrite.de/e/teddy-diversity-talk-bodies-of-evidence-registration-42705526379

Wednesday, 21.02.2018

TEDDY Diversity Talks @ BRLO Brwhouse, Schöneberger Straße 16, 10963 Berlin (U-Bhf. Gleisdreieck), presented by L‘Oréal Paris

11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Black Queer Women in Focus:The Economy of Space and Desire
Black lesbian and queer women are claiming and re-imagining the spaces they live, work and celebrate in. These narratives intersect the private and public, intimate and the collective.

Panelists: Leilah Weinraub - Shakedown
Alina Skrzeszewska - Game Girls

Moderation: Margarita Tsomou

Registration at https://www.eventbrite.de/e/teddy-diversity-talk-black-queer-women-in-focus-registration-42705742024

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Go Your Own Way:Adolescent Resistance in Queer Narratives
Debut filmmakers Tsivia Barkai and Martín Rodríguez Redondo discuss their individual portraits of teenage life and desire. Hermetically sheltered and repressed by their surroundings, a transformation is triggered in these teenagers, which leads to resistance and self-determination.

Panelists: Martín Rodríguez Redondo - Marilyn
Tsivia Barkai - Para Aduma

Moderation: Toby Ashraf

Registration at https://www.eventbrite.de/e/teddy-diversity-talk-go-your-own-way-registration-42706022864

For the past 32 years, the TEDDY AWARD has honoured films and filmmakers who, with queer themes and cinematic engagement, contribute to greater tolerance, equality, acceptance and diversity in our society. The TEDDY AWARD is conferred in the categories Best Feature Film, Best Documentary/Essay Film, Best Short Film, TEDDY Jury Award and SPECIAL TEDDY AWARD.

Tickets for the TEDDY AWARD Ceremony in the Haus der Berliner Festspiele on February 23, 2018 are now available at https://papagena-shop.comfortticket.de/de/tickets/32-teddy-award or via the Ticket Hotline 030-4799 74 74. Tickets free of booking fee are available at the Prinz Eisenherz bookshop, Motzstraße 23, 10777 Berlin.

The TEDDY AWARD ceremony on February 23rd will take place at the Haus der Berliner Festspiele, Schaperstraße 24, 10719 Berlin, starting at 8:30 pm. From 11:30 pm onwards the hot TEDDY AWARD BACKSTAGE PARTY and the After Show Lounge will open their doors!

Honorary Golden Bear Gala for Willem Dafoe with the laudatio by film director Wim Wenders.

YOUTH, the latest film of Chinese director Feng Xiaogang, is the biggest winner of the Award Ceremony.

Screened in the Special Presentations at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival, Feng Xiaogang’s YOUTH topped the December box office in China with over $157 million (1 billion yuan), ahead of Pixar animation COCO. “Feng employs traditional craftsmanship to draw a sweeping historical canvas with profound human upheavals that mirror virtues and flaws of the Chinese people” (Variety). YOUTH has received three of the 2nd Asian Brilliant Stars Awards: Special Jury Award to Feng Xiaogang, Best Screenwriter Award to Yan Geling, and Asian New Talent Award to Zhong Chuxi, leading actress of the film.

Best Director Award went to Samuel Maoz for his recent FOXTROT. The film won the Grand Jury Prize Silver Lion at the 74th Venice International Film and is the Israeli entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars 2018.

Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying won the Best Actress Award for her performance in BAD GENIUS, a box-office hit in Asia in 2017 with great reviews. Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying is also in Berlin this year for her leading role in DIE TOMORROW, selected in the Forum section of the 68th Berlin International Film Festival. Best Actor went to Chang Chen for his leading role in BROTHERHOOD OF BLADES II: THE INFERNAL BATTLEFIELD. Chang Chen is best known for his performances in Edward Yang’s A BRIGHT SUMMER DAY, Hou Hsiao-hsien’s THE ASSASSIN and Ang Lee’s CROUCHER TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.

Zhang Yang won the Best Producer Award for his PATHS OF THE SOUL. Zhang wrote, directed, and produced the film, which tells the story of 11 Tibetan villagers taking their one-year and 1200 km pilgrimage.

The jury made their selection out of 19 nominated films. This year jury includes South Korean director Kim Ki Duk, Iranian actor Babak Karimi, former President of Hong Kong Film Award Mandfred Wong, Japanese Producer Shozo Ichiyama, German actor Moritz Bleibtreu and Chinese director Cao Baoping. Kim Ki Duk is also in Berlin this week for his HUMAN, SPACE, TIME AND HUMAN, selected in this year’s Berlinale Panorama. Babak Karimi is the leading actor in INVASION, also part of this year’s Berlinale Panorama.

Feng Xiaogang said during the event, “The Asian Brilliant Stars gives us, Asian filmmakers, the opportunity to know each other and exchange. I like Kim Ki Duk’s films very much but didn’t have the chance to meet with him until today. The Asian Brilliant Stars has opened a dialogue - this dialogue will continue in the future.”

Kim Ki Duk said, “The Big Three film festivals have selected many outstanding Asian films over the years. What the Asian Brilliant Stars adds is an Asian perspective to the film selection, and a stronger voice to Asian filmmakers.”

Richard Shen, General Secretary of Asian Film and Television Promotion, believes that “the Asian Brilliant Stars is not only an award ceremony, but a platform to promote Asian Films and create a bridge between Asia and the world. If Asian culture wants to gain influence in tomorrow’s world, it also needs an internal dialogue.”

The 2nd Asian Brilliant Stars Awards:

Feng Xiaogang: Special Jury Award for YOUTH

Samuel Maoz: Best Director Award for FOXTROT

Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying: Best Actress Award for BAD GENIUS

Chang Chen: Best Actor Award for BROTHERHOOD OF BALDES II: THE INFERNAL

BATTLEFIELD

Yan Geling: Best Screenwriter Award for YOUTH

Zhang Yang: Best Producer Award for PATHS OF THE SOUL

Zhong Chuxi: Asian New Talent Award for YOUTH

The 2nd Asian Brilliant Stars Film Line-up

Brotherhood of Blades II: The Infernal Battlefield (China)

Wolf Warriors II (China)

Path of The Soul (China)

Our Time Will Come (China)

Chasing the Dragon (China, Hong Kong)

Love Education (China, Hong Kong)

The Day After (South Korea)

I Can Speak (South Korea)

Anarchist from Colony (South Korea)

Grain (Turkey, Germany, France, Sweden)

Foxtrot (Israel, Germany, France)

Dangal (India)

Pauwi Na (Philippines)

What a Wonderful Family! (Japan)

The Third Murder (Japan)

Mumon: The Land of Stealth (Japan)

A Man of Integrity (Iran)

Youth (China)

Bad Genius (Thailand)

Contact: Harper Zhu yuqing@fortissimofilms.com

SUPA MODO has been honored with a Special Mention for an outstanding achievement by the Children’s Jury Generation Kplus at the Generation Kplus Award Ceremony of the 68. Berlin International Film Festival. The film is an inspiring story about a young girl dreaming of becoming a Superhero. The debut feature film by Kenyan director Likarion Wainaina celebrated its world premiere at the section Generation Kplus.

CHECK THE VIDEO

Extract from the jury statement: “This film tells the story of a mortally ill girl in a touching and gripping manner. Featuring convincing performances and a varied backdrop, the film shows the resourcefulness of the girl and the humanity and strong willpower of the entire village in their efforts to make the last months of her life something special.”

Director: Likarion Wainaina

Kenya / Germany – 2018 – 77 minutes – Cinemascope - 24fps – DCP
Swahili, English & Kikuyu with English and German subtitles

ONE FINE DAY FILMS in co-production with GINGER INK FILMS AFRICA in association with DW AKADEMIE

The production of SUPA MODO has kindly been supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation (BMZ), the Goehde Foundation and ARRI Media.

The Film

Jo, a witty 9-year old girl, loves films and superheroes. Whenever Mike, a local VJ, shows up with action films, she is utterly taken in. After these events she, full of energy, inspires the other kids to imitate scenes they have seen - and it is unquestionable, that Jo always plays the superhero. The kids are in a children’s hospital and the screenings are a welcome change.

Jo is terminally ill and one day, her mother Kathryn takes her back to her rural village to spend the rest of her short life with her family. Without her friends from the hospital she drifts off into daydreams of being a real female superhero, a dream which proves to be something, her rebellious teenage sister Mwix, her overprotective mother Kathryn and the entire village of Maweni think, they can fulfill. They all work together to let her last wish come true.

Stycie Waweru is giving a touching debut in the role as Jo. Together with director Likarion Wainaina in SUPA MODO they create a moving picture about the power of imagination, the solacing power of cinema and a community growing together closer in trying to give comfort.

The Director

Likarion Wainaina is a Kenyan Filmmaker born in Moscow, Russia, who lives and works in Nairobi, Kenya. As a professional Film/TV Director and Cinematographer he worked as well at various productions as on a number of documentaries and commercials. Furthermore he directed TV shows - both Drama and Sitcoms - that are currently gracing local TV stations in Kenya. His short film BETWEEN THE LINES became the first Kenyan Film to be projected on an IMAX screen in Kenya. At the 48Hour Film Festival 2015 he and his team worked on the film BAIT, which was selected as one of the top short films and screened at the Cannes Film Festival 2016.

SUPA MODO is sold internationally by Rushlake Media. The company’s sales focus is on high quality African films and with an African context. The line-up includes international hits like NAIROBI HALF LIFE, KATI KATI (FIPRESCI Discovery Award Toronto Int. Film Festival 2016), CAHIER AFRICAN (German Film Award as Best Documentary 2017) and most recently GLOBAL FAMILY (Best Documentary Award Filmfestival Max Ophüls Preis 2018).

Festival rights for SUPA MODO are represented by The Festival Agency, Paris.

„Einer der interessantesten, kraftvollsten Filme im Kplus-Programm“ [One of the most interesting, powerful movies in the Kplus program],artechock

„Das wunderbare an Supa Modo ist die Ehrlichkeit seiner Phantasie“ [The wonderful thing about Supa Modo is the honesty of its imagination],Kino-zeit.de

„Rasant, liebevoll - und natürlich auch traurig, aber dabei nie kitschig oder deprimierend“ [Dynamic, loving – and of course also sad, but never cheesy or depressing], rbb24.de

Berlinale 2018: Crystal Bears and the Awards by the Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung (Federal Agency for Civic Education) in Generation 14plus

The members of the Youth Jury Generation 14plus - Jascha Katjana Richer, Lilly Rinklebe, Zoe Rentmeister, Rosa Nietzsche, Robert Schlücker, Joseph Askar Schönfelder, Jonathan Auer - give the following awards:

Crystal Bear for the Best Film: 

Fortuna

By Germinal Roaux, Switzerland / Belgium

Our winning film uses strong images to tell a story that is topical and timeless at the same time. With the captivating clarity of its photographic compositions, the film provides us with detailed insight into many aspects of human existence in a cordoned-off world, without ever losing sight of the big picture.

The sensitive portrayals of the main characters serve to confront the viewer with issues of dependence, altruism and societal structures.

Special Mention:

Retablo

By Álvaro Delgado-Aparicio L., Peru / Germany / Norway

The film which we have chosen to honour with the Special Mention for Feature Film takes us to a world that was unfamiliar to us. We are able to follow a young person as he figures out who he would like to be and how he would like to deal with the events of his life. The film, which treats an important subject in a gentle manner, makes a strong impression on us through its use of stylistic means such as changing camera perspectives and surprising moments in both image and plot. We are deeply touched by the sensitivity displayed by the protagonist on his journey to becoming a man in a world marked by violence.

Crystal Bear for the Best Short Film: 

Kiem Holijanda

By Sarah Veltmeyer, Netherlands

The Crystal Bear for Best Short Film goes to a film that impressed us by placing its focus on an intimate relationship. We are grateful to have been given a glimpse into the everyday world of two authentic characters. The film won us over with its ability to communicate subtle emotions and grant insight into the societal situation of a region lost in the past.

Special Mention Short Film: 

Je fais où tu me dis (Dressed for Pleasure)

By Marie de Maricourt, Switzerland

The film fascinated us with its clear, choreography-like composition. Static shots reflect the protagonist’s external isolation, while her inner life is depicted by dynamic images featuring a great attention to detail. The film’s themes of self-determination and the realisation of one’s own sexual identity moved us and sparked discussion.

The members of the Generation 14plus International Jury – Felipe Bragança, Verena von Stackelberg, Mark Rogers – give the following awards:

The Grand Prix of the Generation 14plus International Jury for the Best Film, endowed with 7,500 euro by the Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung (Federal Agency for Civic Education): 

Fortuna
By Germinal Roaux, Switzerland / Belgium

A complete balance of elements where the sincere performances of the actors and sublime black and white cinematography create a compelling world at the same time contemporary and timeless.

This film transcends religious and political dogma in a beautifully realized tale of purity and survival as seen through the eyes of a strong-willed Ethiopian girl.

Special Mention: 

Dressage
By Pooya Badkoobeh, Iran

This film impressed us with its intelligent storytelling as well as its complex and unpredictable development of characters. The protagonist is uncompromising in her refusal to join the vicious cycle of corruption, lies, middle-class hypocrisy and false morality.

Special Prize of the Generation 14plus International Jury for the Best Short Film, endowed with 2,500 euro by the Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung (Federal Agency for Civic Education): 

Juck

By Olivia Kastebring, Julia Gumpert, Ulrika Bandeira, Sweden

This film jumped from the screen and owned the auditorium as they said: “I am in this place right now and it’s mine.” A powerful, explosive, joyful film of the moment showing us that femininity can be claimed by an individual on her terms. These women are creating new languages of femininity through unbridled performance in public spaces.

Special Mention:

Na zdrowie! (Bless You!)

By Paulina Ziolkowska, Poland

A very accomplished, poetic, lyrical and dense piece of art. Showing that bodies blend into the sea of humanity, individuality is not under our control – a sneeze can be a body snatcher.

This evening at the closing event of Perspektive Deutsches Kino, the Kompagnon-Fellowships were awarded for the second time. Endowed with 5,000 euros each, they were given to new projects by a screenwriter and/or director from Berlinale Talents 2018, and a director from the 2017 edition of Perspektive Deutsches Kino.

With the Kompagnon Fellowships, Berlinale Talents and Perspektive Deutsches Kino want to give ongoing support to the work of talented directors and screenwriters residing in Germany. Alongside the fellowship, the prize includes a mentoring programme with professional coaching to strengthen the winners’ personal style and the chance to network within the industry.

“It is certainly motivating to receive such a prize, because it shows that other people believe in your project as well,” states filmmaker Nora Fingscheidt, who last year received one of the two Kompagnon-Fellowships awarded for the first time in 2017. And her work shows that the initiative is already beginning to bear fruit: Fingscheidt is currently filming Systemsprenger, her award-winning treatment, and has returned to the Berlinale as a guest of the Perspektive Deutsches Kino 2018 with her film Ohne diese Welt (Without this World). (You can read more about Nora Fingscheidt and the Kompagnon-Fellowship in an interview with her.)

This year’s jury, whose members are Jules Herrmann, Sung-Hyung Cho and Sol Bondy, picked the following two treatments for the prizes: When a Farm Goes Aflame, the Flakes Fly Home to Bear the Tale by Jide Tom Akinleminu (Berlinale Talents 2018); and Blutsauger by Julian Radlmaier (Perspektive Deutsches Kino 2017).

Jury statement about the project When a Farm Goes Aflame, the Flakes Fly Home to Bear the Tale by Jide Tom Akinleminu:

When the Danish-Nigerian filmmaker sets out to make a documentary about his allegedly lonely father in Nigeria, he discovers that his father has been leading a double life.

The family secret can be traced far back into the past – it begins with Nigeria’s struggle for independence – and spans three continents: Africa, Europe, and America.

We are looking forward to seeing this moving, multi-layered film.

Jury statement about the project Blutsauger by Julian Radlmaier:

Under the guise of a vampire film, Julian Radlmaier’s Blutsauger is an elegant German comedy that provides a both amusing and biting commentary on the global rise of nationalism.

As embodiment of the perspective of German cinema, the Kompagnon-Fellowship wants to support Julian Radlmaier in his efforts to get his unmistakable signature style out into the world.

The Compass-Perspektive-Award for the Best Film in the Programme Goes to Veronika Kaserer for Her Documentary Überall wo wir sind(Everywhere We Are)

On the closing night of Perspektive Deutsches Kino, the jury – consisting of filmmakers Jules Herrmann, Sung-Hyung Cho, and Sol Bondy - presented the Compass-Perspektive-Award 2018 for the best film. The prize goes to Überall wo wir sind (Everywhere We Are) by Veronika Kaserer. Endowed with 5,000 euro, this year is the second time the prize has been awarded. The filmmaker received a compass as trophy, symbolically it should serve to provide orientation and direction.

During the festival, the jury members watched all 14 entries in the competition of the Perspektive Deutsches Kino section and, after deliberating intensively, picked their favourite. As the jury members stated: “The prize goes to a film that divided our jury and sparked heated debates. But we decided to honour precisely this film, rather than settle on a compromise, as we firmly believe that consensus films are not where the future of German cinema lies.”

Jury Statement - Überall wo wir sind (Everywhere We Are):

Veronika Kaserer has made a film about grief, which at the same reminds us that life is worth living. With an astonishing closeness, unconventional montage, and many surprising moments, she portrays the last weeks and days of Heiko Lekutat, a 29-year-old Berlin dance instructor, and, most notably, his wonderful, big-hearted family. Does the film cause us pain because the family’s sorrow distresses us so, or do we suffer because we feel that the great intimacy to those grieving oversteps a line and in doing so impinges on our own sense of well-being? The editing constantly flashes back and forth between “before” and “after” Heiko’s death. Is it legitimate to disrupt the process of dying in this way in order to arouse, on an abstract level, empathy for the psychological and emotional process of grieving? The fact that a film triggers fierce sentiments and debates is a fine quality. We congratulate director, producer, and camerawoman Veronika Kaserer.

Oben v.l.n.r./top FLTR: Paz Lázaro (Leiterin Panorama) mit ShazadLatif,Timur Bekmambetov, Valene Kane und Olga Kharina.Profile. Regie/director:Timur Bekmambetov

Foto:©Brigitte Dummer / Berlinale 2018

Unten v.l.n.r./bottom FLTR: Robert Bahar und Almudena Carracedo mitModeratorin Ana David.The Silence of Others.Regie/directors: Almudena Carracedo,Robert Bahar

Foto:©Trevor Good / Berlinale 2018

The public has cast its votes: the 20th Panorama Audience Awards go to Profile by Timur Bekmambetov for best fiction film and The Silence of Othersby Almudena Carracedo and Robert Bahar for best documentary. The awards are presented by the Berlinale Panorama section in collaboration with radioeins and rbb television (Berlin-Brandenburg Broadcasting). The prizes for the voting audience are provided courtesy of Mastercard.

In Profile, a journalist investigating the recruitment of young women for ISIS falls under the spell of a Jihadist – a story entirely told on a computer screen. Director Timur Bekmambetov has previously been  a guest of the Berlinale Special with his films Night Watch (2005) and Day Watch (2007). In the documentary The Silence of Others, directors Almudena Carracedo and Robert Bahar tackle the issue of justice in Spain, after a 1977 amnesty law prohibited the prosecution of the regime’s perpetrators.

The official award ceremony will be held at 5 pm on Sunday, February 25, in CinemaxX 7 at Potsdamer Platz. The prizes will be awarded by rbb programme director Dr. Jan Schulte-Kellinghaus. Knut Elstermann, radioeins film expert, and Panorama head and curator Paz Lázaro will host the event. Directly after the ceremony, the winning fiction film will be shown. The PanoramaDokumente winner will be screened at 8 pm, also in CinemaxX 7.

The Panorama Audience Award has been given since 1999. Since 2011, not only the best fiction film but also the best documentary films have received awards. During the festival, moviegoers are asked to rate the films shown in Panorama on voting cards after the screenings. In 2018 a total of 26,000 votes were cast and counted.

This year Panorama presented 47 feature-length films from 40 countries, of which 20 screened in the Panorama Dokumente series.

Panorama Audience Award Winner - Fiction Film 2018

Profile

USA / United Kingdom / Cyprus / Russian Federation

By Timur Bekmambetov

2nd place Panorama Audience Award - Fiction Film 2018

Styx

Germany / Austria

By Wolfgang Fischer

3rd place Panorama Audience Award - Fiction Film 2018

L‘Animale

Austria 2018

By Katharina Mueckstein

Panorama Audience Award Winner - PanoramaDokumente 2018

The Silence of Others

USA / Spain

By Almudena Carracedo, Robert Bahar

2nd place Panorama Audience Award - PanoramaDokumente 2018

Partisan

Germany

By Lutz Pehnert, Matthias Ehlert, Adama Ulrich

3rd place Panorama Audience Award - PanoramaDokumente 2018

O processo

Brazil / Germany / Netherlands

By Maria Augusta Ramos

The members of the Children’s Jury in Generation Kplus– Laslo Baudouin, Luise Babette Dahns, Christian Fock, Nele Heinig, Julina Matilde Jung, Namiko Kammin, Jonas Kurth, Theresa Sagebiel, Jonas Schuster, Jonas Volkers, Ella Widmoser – give the following awards:

Crystal Bear for the Best Film: 

Les rois mongols (Cross My Heart)

By Luc Picard, Canada

We are particularly fond of this film because we were able to immerse ourselves deeply in the story and the actors enabled us to empathize with their characters. The story of the four children was full of humour in spite of the seriousness of their situation, owing primarily to the siblings’ love for one another. However, we don’t want to neglect to mention the technical aspects of the film, as the music was very beautiful and fitting and we really enjoyed the camerawork.

Special Mention: 

Supa Modo

By Likarion Wainaina, Germany / Kenya

This film tells the story of a mortally ill girl in a touching and gripping manner. Featuring convincing performances and a varied backdrop, the film shows the resourcefulness of the girl and the humanity and strong willpower of the entire village in their efforts to make the last months of her life something special.

Crystal Bear for the Best Short Film: 

A Field Guide to Being a 12-Year-Old-Girl

By Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Australia

In an unusual and creative manner, we gain insight into a complex species – one whose diversity not only girls can identify with. With a great deal of humour, the documentary demonstrates one thing above all: girls can accomplish anything they set their minds to!

Special Mention: 

Snijeg za Vodu (Snow for Water)

By Christopher Villiers, Bosnia and Herzegovina / United Kingdom

Two siblings whisk us away to a world full of fear and desolation and manage to bring it closer to us, not without a bit of hope. In this inhumane situation, the film teaches us what humanity means. The memory of this war should remain in people’s minds forever.

The members of the Generation Kplus International Jury  – Amanda Duthie, Sanna Lenken, Carla Simón – give the following awards:

The Grand Prix of the Generation Kplus International Jury for the Best Film, endowed with 7,500 euro by the Deutsches Kinderhilfswerk (The Children’s Charity of Germany): 

Sekala Niskala (The Seen and Unseen)

By Kamila Andini, Indonesia / Netherlands / Australia / Qatar

The Grand Prix of the Generation Kplus International Jury for the Best Film goes to a director who has a particular cinematic vision. A poetic tale of life in balance and out of balance. It conveys the soulful journey through sorrow, rage and acceptance. It touched us all through its unique universe. It is a film that embraces risk, authenticity and the mystical in a finely tuned filmic dance.

Special Mention:

Allons enfants (Cléo & Paul)

By Stéphane Demoustier, France

For Special Mention we acknowledge a film that portrayed a realistic situation that we can all relate to. The feeling of dread is met with a feeling of wonder and freedom in an urban wilderness. The small stars of this film deliver tender performances beyond their years.

The Special Prize of the Generation Kplus International Jury for the Best Short Film, endowed with € 2,500 by the Deutsches Kinderhilfswerk (The Children’s Charity of Germany): 

Jaalgedi (A Curious Girl)

By Rajesh Prasad Khatri, Nepal

As a jury it was pleasing to come to a unanimous decision quite quickly – because this film stood out to us all. A visually stunning and authentic work that explores a girl’s life of work and play. This film stood out in this very strong Generation landscape for this exploration of responsibility. It is an exploration of where a child lives in a family, a village and on top of the world. From the cloudy heights of Nepal comes a short masterpiece from a first time director.

Special Mention: 

Cena d’aragoste (Lobster Dinner)

By Gregorio Franchetti, USA / Italy

In acknowledgement of a filmmaker who has great respect in creating complex characters in a delicate manner. Here is a director whose next work we are excited to see as he develops his craft from film school to feature film.

The awards given out last Friday night at the Berlin International Film Festival saw the Dutch team behind Kosovo-set short film, Kiem Holijanda triumph in the Berlinale’s Generation section, the most important dedicated children’s and youth programme among the A-list festivals of the world, taking home the Crystal Bear for the Best Short Film in the section Generation 14plus.

The jury motivation for the award states:

The Crystal Bear for Best Short Film goes to a film that impressed us by placing its focus on an intimate relationship. We are grateful to have been given a glimpse into the everyday world of two authentic characters. The film won us over with its ability to communicate subtle emotions and grant insight into the societal situation of a region lost in the past.
 
Kim Holijanda is Directed by Sarah Veltmeyer, co written by Tom Bakker, produced by Jeroen Beker and Sabine Veenendaal of production house Submarine. The film portrays a day in the lives of  brothers Andi (13) and Florist (20) who live in a poor and desolate village in Kosovo. By selling milk they earn just enough money to support the family. When Andi discovers a card of a Dutch porn star in their bedroom he needs a mobile phone to watch her. He is so obsessed with this, he doesn’t notice his brother has chosen this day to say goodbye to him.

Kim Holijanda was supported by a.o. the Netherlands Film Fund.