Over 100 critics crowned the Austrian-German historical drama during the festival’s ninth edition in Egypt.
GOUNA, Egypt — Markus Schleinzer’s Austrian-German feature “Rose” has claimed the 2026 Arab Critics’ Award for European Films. The accolade was presented on Saturday during the ninth edition of the El Gouna Film Festival, just ahead of the screening of the Egyptian documentary “Captain Capunga’s Return.”
The eighth iteration of the prize saw participation from more than 100 film critics across various Arab nations, who selected the winner from a shortlist of 25 European titles following a two-month review and discussion process by the voting body.
Producer Johannes Schubert accepted the trophy on behalf of the filmmaking team during the ceremony in El Gouna.
Reflecting on the honor, Schleinzer expressed his deep appreciation, noting that recognition from critics carries distinct weight because they evaluate works through granular details and artistic choices rather than superficial first impressions.
The director added that film criticism, at its finest, transcends a final verdict to spark a dialogue that keeps a picture alive long after it exits the theater, ultimately drawing fresh audiences into the conversation.
He emphasized that cinema and its discourse lose much of their purpose if works fail to reach viewers, praising the vital role critics play in sustaining this bridge between the screen and its audience.
Set in 17th-century Germany in the wake of the Thirty Years’ War, “Rose” follows the title character, portrayed by Sandra Hüller, as she arrives in a rural village disguised as a man to claim her inheritance.
Concealing her true identity from those around her, she gradually builds a complex relationship with Susanna, a farmer’s daughter played by Caro Brown, with their dynamic serving as an entry point to probing questions regarding identity, power, and societal roles.
Shot entirely in black and white, the film uses its striking visual palette to examine the lingering scars of war on human memory and the individual, while subverting traditional gender constructs and the position of women within a deeply conservative society.
“Rose” is also competing in the Academy Awards race as Austria’s official submission for best international feature film. Schleinzer’s direction and Hüller’s standout performance have commanded intense critical buzz, adding to a growing list of festival accolades throughout the film’s journey.
