The members of the Youth Jury in Generation 14plus – Julina Jung, Ion Kebernik, Shahida Kitzov, Lucia Maluga, Rocco Mehlhose, Mette Maren Schmahl and Rita Stelling – have awarded the following prizes:
Crystal Bear for the Best Film:
Notre-Dame du Nil (Our Lady of the Nile)
by Atiq Rahimi, France / Belgium / Rwanda
On so many levels, this film has told us the story of people who are geographically and culturally so far away and yet were not foreign to us. The colours, music and poetry captivated us and made us experience the film in all its facets. Because of the superb acting and storytelling, the people were presented to us in their dignity and importance and given an authentic feeling. The film has raised discussions, and it should continue to do so. We were convinced politically, poetically, stylistically and humanly.
Special Mention: White Riot
by Rubika Shah, United Kingdom
The film has created a multi-layered experience, replete with many different snippets and elements, old and new recordings, a lot of creativity and timeless songs. The music holds the film together, just as it had brought people together back then. Once again, it demonstrates to us that history should not be forgotten. We were motivated to stand up for our values together and to shout out against all the injustice we feel. Against racism, against discrimination.
The fight is far from over!
Crystal Bear for the Best Short Film: Clebs (Mutts)
by Halima Ouardiri, Canada / Morocco
We were given an insight into a world which we had never seen before.
We were very impressed by the pictures, the light, the colours and the sounds. The camera captivated us and put us right in the middle of the action; right in the middle of a community, a coexistence, a sense of belonging together amongst hundreds of individuals. The movements, the masses, the organisation of the masses swept us away. We were able to observe the natural within the unnatural. Life in confinement. Wanting to escape and not being able to. Having to get along. Alone and together. The film combines aesthetics and banality. It connects everyday life and politics. It tells of life and lets us feel and comprehend.
Special Mention: Goodbye Golovin
by Mathieu Grimard, Canada
This film, over which we passionately fought during our jury work, is one that made us forget the time. It managed to tell a deep, complex story within a short period of time. By virtue of a harmonious interplay of colours, light, music and camera, the film created a sad, energetic and beautiful mood all at the same time.
In a poetic way, it deals with the topics of running away, liberation and the question: “Who am I and why?”
Thanks to the superb performances of the actors, we were able to empathise incredibly well with the presented situation. Do you have to change your audience in order to change?
The seven members of the Youth Jury in Generation 14plus about their work: „We reviewed 28 films, and each and every one was important. We were touched, shocked, surprised and enraged. The films concerned us. Our jury work has demonstrated to us how enriching many different perspectives are.
