The Awards of the 43rd Munich International Film Festival

The 43rd Munich International Film Festival is coming to an end, all prizes have been awarded. Here is an overview of all winners and the juries' statements.

So many films, so many prizes. The 43rd Munich International Film Festival congratulates all winners on their prizes and thanks all award donors who make it possible to honor special films. What great days we had. Let's celebrate the winners together.

German cinema new talent award

Yesterday, Friday, 07/04/2025, the German Cinema New Talent Award was already awarded in four categories: Best Production, Best Actor, Best Screenplay and Best Director.

Every year, a three-member jury decides on the award - in 2025, this jury was made up of Haley Louise Jones, Visar Morina and Trini Götze. The German Cinema New Talent Award is one of the most important and most highly endowed prizes for young filmmakers in Germany. The prize, worth a total of 70,000 euros, is sponsored by Bavaria Film, Bayerischer Rundfunk and DZ Bank.

Best Director: Ella Cieslinski, Nina Wesemann for DEAR FUTURE SELF

The jury:

“It’s a very special feeling for me to stand here and present this award. I also screened my first feature film here at the Munich International Film Festival and received this very same award.

That was a major moment in my life, and I hope it will be the same for you.

I can relate to the fear and excitement you’re feeling.

I’d like to start by saying that — as you all know — one cannot escape one’s own subjectivity, and while we were subjective in making our decision, we tried to live up to our responsibility.

Surprisingly, the film we’re honoring also deals with this very question: What is the right thing to do, to create, or to be? Every character in this film, no matter how minor, seems to be searching for the answer to this question.

The film tells of new housing developments built on sand after a war; of a man who set out to reinvent himself but returns to his old self; of a father who walks the line between caring and overstepping boundaries; and of two women struggling to connect with one another.

In doing so, the film proceeds with such thoughtfulness and complexity that it feels as though it were one of the characters itself. A film that tells of the here and now, and asks us what our tomorrow should look like.

The German Cinema New Talent Award in the Directing category goes to Ella Cieslinski and Nina Wesemann for the film DEAR FUTURE SELF.”

Best Screenplay: Susanne Heinrich for THE MISERABLE MOTHER

The jury:

“ 'You were made for this.

It’s the most wonderful feeling in the world.

You’ll love it.

It will enrich your life and give you fulfillment.'

This is just a fraction of what a woman is told — well-meaning though it may be — by those around her, by society, and sometimes even by herself when she becomes a mother. But what does it mean to be a mother, and how should one go about it?

I don’t have any children (yet), so I don’t know what that actually feels like.

What I do know, however, is that I’d love to have a film like this to give a voice and space to everything I might feel and experience when the time comes.

A film like a fever dream — yet so playful and artful, with a unique sense of rhythm.

We’re delighted to present the German Cinema New Talent Award in the Screenplay category to Susanne Heinrich for THE MISERABLE MOTHER.”

Best Production: Christoph Otto for THE BALLAD FROM WEDNESDAY TO THURSDAY

The jury:

“This week, we had the great privilege of immersing ourselves in many different worlds and observing a wide variety of points of view.

One film in particular stood out — one that focuses on where we are, what we are, and what makes us social animals.

We are honoring this production for its boldness in being centered on the mundane and in trusting in a process whose outcome is unknown.

The result is a film that directs our gaze toward the everyday — in all its absurdity, tragedy, and beauty. Without bias and without putting its characters on display, it reveals our loneliness and our desire to connect with others. It uses a neighborhood bar to capture the mood of an entire country.

This film is a homage to Cologne, a homage to the city’s people, a homage to all of us. It is a ballad! A ballad from Wednesday to Thursday.

The 2026 German Cinema New Talent Award for Best Producer goes to Christoph Otto. ”

Best Acting Performance: Ricarda Seifried for DEAR FUTURE SELF

The jury:

“Some performances are so memorable that they stay with you long after the film has ended.

Being human, being a woman, being a friend — what all of that means and entails is often hard to put into words. Expressing the complexity of that in a single glance is true artistry.

The actress, whose dignified and incredibly natural performance so deeply impressed us all, portrays her character as struggling to find words, poise, and confidence in a way that feels far removed from self-promotion and is instead fully committed to the truth of the moment. She has managed to create a very specific character in whom we nonetheless recognize ourselves — with all the discomfort that entails. To act with such precision and focus, making conflicts and contradictions so palpable, demonstrates just how sophisticated her understanding is of what it means to be human and to be a woman.

The German Cinema New Talent Award in the Acting category goes to Ricarda Seifried in DEAR FUTURE SELF. ” 

cinecopro Award

The award in the CineCoPro competition has been revived this year and is the highest endowed award at FILMFEST MÜNCHEN with 100,00 euros. The prize, sponsored by the FFF Bayern, is aimed at international co-productions with German participation. Fred Burle, Kate Solomon and Tobias Walker selected the prize-winning film from the fourteen entries in the competition and chose STRANGE RIVER by Jaume Claret Muxart as the winner:

"So often we see films exploring themes of tolerance by showing us the opposite, but this year’s winner models something positive, inclusive and natural. It shows that acceptance should be a given, growing up should not be a lonely experience and change can be a collective process.

The film’s portrayal of such a realistic, adorable family, was possible through a combination of excellent script, casting, direction, visual language and the obvious trust between all involved, resulting in an uplifting film, with just the right dose of hope.

The filmmakers clearly shared a vision that could be felt both in front and behind the camera. By shooting a proof of concept using analogue material at the proposed locations the producers went the extra mile to convince the funding bodies of a debut project, in a different language, with no stars and within a protected natural area.

This co-production carries the philosophy and poetry of the film with the same gentle flow as the river it depicts.

The CineCoPro Award goes to... STRANGE RIVER. "

cinemasters Award

The award in the CineMasters competition is the main prize of FILMFEST MÜNCHEN and is sponsored by Messe München. Michael Kofler, Ella Rumpf and Pete Ohs selected the winning film from the fourteen entries in the competition and they chose SHAME AND MONEY by Visar Morina as Best International Film:

"As members of the jury, Pete Ohs, Ella Rumpf, and I had the great pleasure of spending five days together, watching around three films a day. Those we saw could not be more different from one another, and this did not make it easy to compare them.

We wandered with a hermit through the pampas of Argentina as a crumbling social system changed his life overnight, we witnessed a devastating court case battling the dark shadows of our colonial past, we listened to propositions of how an inhumane health system could be reformed, and we were deeply moved by tales of emotional debts and forgiveness.

Each film left its own distinct impression on us, and we are incredibly thankful for this experience. It was a genuine privilege to watch this selection of works by true CineMasters.

Overall, this section is characterized by incredible performances and a compelling take on contemporary issues regarding social inequalities and the consequences of our capitalist and patriarchal system.

Conferring as a jury, we realized that these films made us rethink ourselves. Who are we? What privilege gives us our standing in this world, and when do we use it for our own good and for the good of others? What does progress mean? Is less more? And how do we challenge the systems we live in?

The film we’ve chosen to honor is compelling from beginning to end with its mastery of form and function. It’s a tender but at the same time raw observation of a world in which labor is cheap and people are disposable.

The film kept cornering us with the question: Does our capitalist society allow any room for dignity and self-respect? In doing so, the film doesn’t give in to a nihilistic worldview, though. It encourages us to believe that even in the most adverse of circumstances, there are always moments of humanity.

The CineMasters Award goes to... SHAME AND MONEY by Visar Morina."

CineVision Award

The CineVision Award is given to the Best International Debut Film. The jurors this year were Errec Brehmer, Maria Hunstig and Geoff Marslett. They chose the film A GIRL UNKNOWN by Jing Zou:

"We watched twelve movies. Though they were all very different, they kept returning to themes of identity and struggle and acceptance. Our winner was no exception. This movie’s protagonist touched all of us deeply as someone who is both passive and resilient. Set against the legacy of China’s one-child policy, this film follows a young girl who is passed from family to family, from home to home, hoping to find a place where she belongs, but this always eludes her. With extraordinary empathy and sensitivity, the director manages to unpack the emotional journey of this main character slowly and subtly, but with immense gravitas — not only through what is shown, but more often through what is not shown. By telling a very specific story, the director manages to tackle universal human experiences ranging from loss to rejection, from injustice to the need for love. The movie’s scope, ambition, and cinematic maturity are exceptional; it spans locations and eras, creating an epic setting that proves a remarkable accomplishment for a first-time feature director. It’s a film of remarkable power and humanity that will stay with us long after the final frame. The CineVision Award goes to A GIRL UNKNOWN by Jing Zou."

CineRebels Award

The CineRebels Award is sponsored by our main partner Audi and is endowed with 15,000 euros. It is a platform for format junkies, film adventurers and people with cinephile film taste. This year's jury of three, Mimi Plauché, Thomas Hauser and Narges Kalhor chose the film HAIR, PAPER, WATER... by Nicolas Graux, Minh Quý Trương.

"With its unrestrained and fiercely original visual language, this film opens a realm that is at once intimate and limitless. It does not simply tell a story; it invites us to shed our certainty and enter a state of becoming, returning to an origin shaped by earth, flesh, water, and memories of a netherworld.

Its radiant colors, tactile surfaces, and floating rhythm refuse realism in favor of something more mysterious. Childhood, imagination, grief, and human tenderness dissolve into one another. Nature is never decoration; it is a living force, breathing through bodies, gestures, hair, wind, and silence.

What emerges is both an inward crossing and a journey through the world: light, wild, and deeply moving. Between grandmother and grandson, courage, language, memory, and an ancient form of knowledge are conveyed without explanation. The jury admires the force of cinema at work here: Its unconventional storytelling; its powerful pair of protagonists; and its ability to make a distinct way of seeing the world tangible through spellbinding images.

The award goes to HAIR, PAPER, WATER... "

CineKindl Award

The prize comes with €3,000 and is sponsored by megaherz. The three-member jury that chose the winning film this year consisted of Juliane Köhler, Johannes Schmid and Marta Jodko, and selected the film SWEETHEART by Margherita Spampinato from among the nominees:

"We unanimously decided to present the CineKindl Award to a film that moved us deeply.

Its beautiful cinematography, remarkable performances, and confident storytelling remind us that love is ageless, and that the relationships we build are among the greatest treasures we have. Some of these bonds grow quietly, over time, requiring patience, trust, and care — and this film gives them the space they deserve.

It’s also a story about a place that endures alongside its women, bound together by a shared history. Older women — so often overlooked both in society and on screen — form a neighborhood community, creating a timeless framework of tradition which is not always easy, yet it offers the young protagonists a sense of belonging and resilience.

We believe this is an important film for young audiences today. While rooted in timeless values, it doesn’t turn away from the realities of the present. It shows that growing up means passing through the eye of the needle: enduring moments of intense emotion, uncertainty, and even boredom. Only by experiencing them can we discover freedom, empathy, and ourselves.

Like the greatest cinema, the deepest human emotions are timeless. This film reminds us of that with honesty, tenderness, and extraordinary artistry.

The award goes to SWEETHEART by Margherita Spampinato."

young jury Award

Five young adults from Munich will be given the opportunity to award a prize to one of the films in the FILMFEST MÜNCHEN program that tells an outstanding story from the world of young people's experiences.In 2026, 12 films will compete for this award endowed with 2,500 euros and sponsored by HAKRO.This year's jury consists of Anna Shires, Constantin Schäfer, Daniel Tonnar Leyva, and Nurperi Nurdan. They chose THE SWIMMERS by Sol Iglesias SK:

"Over the past few days, we have watched films from different continents and had the opportunity to become familiar with different lives, points of view, and realities. We are deeply impressed by the creativity, craftsmanship, and storytelling we’ve witnessed throughout the festival.

Choosing a single winner was incredibly difficult. We discussed every film in depth, and each one left a lasting impression on us. As the Young Jury, it was especially important for us to recognize a film that speaks to the challenges our generation is facing. We also want to encourage more young people to take on an active role in filmmaking and storytelling. Our generation has important stories to tell, and our voices deserve to be heard.

The film we have chosen stands out because it confronts some of the most urgent issues of our time: politicians making decisions that put our future at risk and the widening gap between those with privilege and those without. It is bold, thought-provoking, and open to many interpretations, inviting every viewer to reflect on its meaning. Visually and thematically, the film leaves a lasting impression. What makes it even more remarkable is that it was shaped by young creatives at every stage of its production.

This film holds up a brutal mirror to the world we live in. While some people can simply fly away from the consequences of the climate crisis they helped create, the vast majority are left behind to live with them. The last plane has left, and we are still here.

The winner of the 2026 Young Jury Award is THE SWIMMERS. "

FIPRESCI-Prize

The FIPRESCI Prizes are film prizes awarded by the international film critics' and film journalists' association Fédération Internationale de la Presse Cinématographique. At FILMFEST MÜNCHEN, a three-member international jury selected the best film in the New German Cinema series. This year's jury was composed of the film journalists Bettina Schuler, Joanna Orzechowska-Bonis and Övgü Gökçe. The 2026 FIPRESCI Award goes to Tom Schreiber for BEAUTIFUL SOULS:

"The FIPRESCI jury was impressed by a film that transforms the ordinary into something quietly extraordinary. Embracing the tragedies, hopes, doubts, small joys, and unexpected gifts of everyday life, it weaves them into a compassionate portrait of contemporary society. Bringing together diverse experiences of cultural encounter, it captures both the loneliness and the generosity that coexist in our shared world.

Its timeless, universal visual language, exquisite ensemble performances, and witty yet deeply humane dialogue create a cinematic experience that is at once surprising and utterly believable, moving effortlessly between different styles and moments. In a world marked by uncertainty and ambiguity, the film discovers small human miracles in the encounters between “beautiful souls”. For these reasons, the FIPRESCI jury is delighted to present its award to BEAUTIFUL SOULS. "

audience award

All viewers have the opportunity to vote for their favorite during the festival period. This year, the Audience Award will be presented in the "National" and "International" categories:

The National Audience Award goes to AGNES & AMIR by Helena Hufnagel.

The International Audience Award to IF ONLY THE YEAR HAD 364 DAYS by Almourad Aldeeb.

Cinekindl audience award

Probably the strictest and most honest jury in the world decides on the awarding of prizes at the CineKindl film section: All visitors to the CineKindl films evaluate the films shown during the festival week and vote for their favorite via voting cards. And this year's winner is the film SPLISH SPLASH FOREVER! by Natascha Beller.

THE INTERVIEWS OF AWARD WINNERS AND AMBIANCE by Alice Kanterian

The Jury