The audiences’ ballots have been counted: the Panorama Audience Award 2006 – which is sponsored by “radioeins” of RBB, Berlin-Brandenburg’s public radio and television broadcasting station, and Berlin’s city magazine “tip” in collaboration with the Berlinale’s Panorama section – goes to Bubot Niyar (Paper Dolls), directed by Tomer Heymann.

The Panorama Audience Award has existed since 1999. Movie-goers of the 56th Berlin International Film Festival were asked to cast their ballot cards or vote online for the films screened in the Panorama section. Over 19,000 votes were cast and counted. 37 features and 14 documentaries were competing for this year’s award. The Israeli-Swiss co-production took the lead from the start and held its position until the final count.

The official award ceremony will be held on Sunday, February 19 at 5 p.m. in the CinemaxX 7. The winning film will be awarded the bronze statue by Berlin sculptor Hubertus Brand. The prize will be presented by “radioeins” chief editor Florian Barckhausen and Robert Weixlbaumer from the “tip” film staff. Head of the Panorama Wieland Speck will also attend the event which will be hosted by “radioeins” film expert Knut Elstermann. Following the award ceremony, the audiences’ favourite film will be rescreened.

Winner of the Panorama Audience Award 2006:
Bubot Niyar (Paper Dolls)
Israel/Switzerland 2005
Directed by Tomer Heymann


2nd place - Panorama Audience Award:
Estrellas de la linea (The Railroad All-Stars)
Spain 2005
Directed by José Maria Rodríguez


3rd place - Panorama Audience Award:
Breakfast on Pluto
Ireland/Great Britain 2005
Directed by Neil Jordan


Since 2004 movie-goers have also been asked to cast their ballots for their favourite short film in the Panorama section. This year they could choose from 23 short films. The Panorama Audience Award for Best Short Film goes to Hayelet Bodeda (The Substitute) by Talya Lavie.

Winner of the Panorama Audience Award for Best Short Film:
Hayelet Bodeda (The Substitute)
Israel 2005
Regie: Talya Lavie