Berlinale 2009: Crystal Bears in the Generation 14plus
The members of the Youth Jury in the Generation 14plus
Leo Bruckmann
Lulu Grimm
Frida Grubba
Moritz Kleine
Isabelle Moog
Maurits Schön
Joëlle Weber
gave the following awards:
Crystal Bear for the Best Feature Film
My Suicide by David Lee Miller
A rare theme which is both current and extremely tragic for young people has been persuasively tackled in this film. We were not only fascinated by the film’s gripping content also the highly original way in which it was made. The protagonist’s loneliness and his longing for love are authentic and awe-inspiring.
Special Mention
Mary and Max by Adam Elliot
Feeling lonely, excluded and misunderstood – for the Youth Jury, these were the main ideas expressed in the films in this year’s Generation 14plus competition.
One of these films was a particular highlight. This film touches on the life’s most decisive moments. It is ironic, endearing and has an unrivalled aesthetic. Who am I and why am I? What is he meaning of friendship and how do I find my way to love and to my own self? Five years of production at the rate of five seconds a day definitely paid off!
Crystal Bear for the Best Short Film
Aphrodite’s Farm by Adam Strange
A phenomenal anecdote about holding tight and letting go, embedded in a fairytale and told with consequent humour – all this inspired our gut-reaction to the film. The story is accessible but full of surprises and makes it clear the need to let go in order to proceed. These things happen – and they are unstoppable!
Special Mention
Slavar
by David Aronowitsch and Hanna Heilborn
This film deals explosively with the issue of war. The media usually illustrates war themes with pathetic and horrendous pictures. This film abstains from using such a shock tactic and relies on contrasting visual effects and the expressive voices of children who we assume have survived more than they have lived.
The Award Ceremony and the screening of the winner film will take place today at 7.30 pm in the Babylon cinema.
