Panorama Audience Awards Unveiled

Sunday, February 18-----The audience has decided.....the Panorama Audience Award, 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 the film BLINDSIGHT (Lucy Walker, Great Britain). The documentary tells the extraordinary story of a group of blind mountain climbers, who use their remaining senses to allow them to literally soar to the tops of mountains. The film was praised for its positive message of overcoming adversity and following one's dreams, despite the odds.

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The Panorama Audience Award has existed since 1999. Movie-goers of the 57th Berlin International Film Festival were asked to cast their ballot cards or vote online for the films screened in the Panorama section. Over 21,000 votes were cast and counted.

The official award ceremony was held today at 5:00pm in the CinemaxX 7 at Potsdamer Platz. The winning film was awarded the an original bronze statue by Berlin sculptor Hubertus Brand. The prize was presented by “radioeins” chief editor Florian Barckhausen and “tip” chief editor Heiko Zwirner. Head of the Panorama Wieland Speck was also present.

Panorama Audience Award Winner 2007:
BLINDSIGHT
Great Britain 2006
Directed by Lucy Walker

2nd place Panorama Audience Award 2007:
THE BUBBLE
Israel 2006
Directed by Eytan Fox

3rd place Panorama Audience Award 2007:
NAR MORKRET FALLER (When Darkness Falls)
Sweden/Germany 2006
Directed by Anders Nilsson

Sandy Mandelberger, Berlin Online Dailies Editor