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.