Berlinale 2012: Crystal Bears and Deutsches Kinderhilfswerk Awards in Generation Kplus

members of the Children's Jury Generation Kplus

Kimia Godarzani-Bakhtiari

Rosa Münchmeyer

Anne Marie Dominik Fittje

Nikita Neitzke

Justin Braun

Fion Mutert

Victor Neumeister

Lale Öztoprak

Anna Luisa Cruz

Pia Jacqueline Heß

Simon Kajdi

give the following awards:

Crystal Bear for the Best Feature Film: ARCADIA

by Olivia Silver, USA 2011

A family realises that it cannot just run away from its problems. We were deeply touched by the authentic story and the natural actors. A long journey and a moving film in all respects!

Special Mention: Kikoeteru, furi wo sita dake

by Kaori Imaizumi, Japan 2011

A profound exploration of death which forced us to think.  We were captivated by the long, haunting sequences with hardly any music which brought us close to a child learning to express her feelings.

Crystal Bear for the Best Short Film: Julian

by Matthew Moore, Australia 2011

A sophisticated film which accompanies a misunderstood boy on his way to popularity with wit and lightness of touch. The fantastic actor displays his phenomenal talent in portraying the smart protagonist - and surprises us in the process. Really great cinema!



Special Mention: B I N O

by Billie Pleffer, Australia 2011

Without words, we are told the story of a lonely boy who risks his very life in search of friendship. It was the eyes of the lead actor in particular that we found so fascinating.

The members of the International Jury Generation Kplus

Marc Cousins

Rasmus Horskjær

Frieder Schlaich

Marité Ugàs

Maxine Williamson

vergeben die folgenden Preise:

Grand Prix of the Deutsche Kinderhilfswerk for the Best Feature Film, endowed with 7,500 Euro: Kauwboy

by Boudewijn Koole, Netherlands 2011  

Through a distinctly intimate style we are sucked into and moved by a young boys struggle for finding his way out of almost unbearable grief. Beautiful cinematic moments, a little black bird and blue bubble gum are the ingredients that make this a truly original film. A story about love, and the dark and light moments of a father and a son.

Special Mention: GATTU

by Rajan Khosa, India 2011

We felt the potential for life's wonders could be seen in every child's eye; and in particular, the boundless ingenuity of the young rascal was utterly compelling. Along with the heavenly dueling spectacle throughout, this combination created a humorous, energetic and joyous ride. We award this film for capturing the ironies, the complexities and the vitality of India.

Special Prize of the Deutsche Kinderhilfswerk for the Best Short Film, endowed with 2,500 Euro: B I N O

by Billie Pleffer, Australia 2011

Our winning film is an extremely cinematic portait of otherworldly boys. We loved the film's rebelliousness, its beautiful compositions, its lack of dialogue, its world of isolated youth - tense, imaginative and full of risk.

Special Mention: L

by Thais Fujinaga, Brasil 2011

Our Special Mention goes to a film about young people not comfortable in their own bodies. We loved the way the theme emerges visually, not through dialogue, and the bold way in which the kids hurt each other. The film is funny and true about youth, and features a great romantic moment when toes seem to kiss each other.