AwardsWatch

JURY STATEMENTS

DOCUMENTARIES NATURE
WINNER: DUSK CHORUS
What an experience! Not only is this a well-presented long-term and ambitious project, it is also the perfect interplay of cinematography, story-line and sound. The film makes it possible to become fully immersed in an extraordinary acoustic and visual experience.  This an excellent piece of work that expands our understanding and explores environmental problems in a completely new light. The jury members would like to compliment the filmmakers for this outstanding student thesis project.

HONORABLE MENTION:
IM BANN DES MONDES (BEWITCHED BY THE MOON)!

An excellent nature film about the moon’s impact on our world.  The film shows how impressively land, plants and animals follow the cycle of the moon. Varied and dynamic, the aesthetics and rhythm of the film make this connection clear.

DOCUMENTARIES ENVIRONMENT
WINNER: THE LAST PIG

With care and detail, this empathic film tells the story of an unusual pig farmer.  The unobtrusive manner in which the farmer’s story is told and the sensitive nature of the filmmaking leave room for the viewer to analyze and interpret the complexities of the topic.  A moving story, a great protagonist, and impressive cinematography. 

HONORABLE MENTION: POETS OF LIFE

A gentle interpretation of the story of a female Iranian farmer. Viewers follow the journey of a sympathetic protagonist, who loves her soil, as she evolves into an engaged nature activist. One begins to recognize the significance of small occurrences in her daily life.  We come to see the importance of both small and large issues, from earthworms to an international rice business. The camera stays focused on the protagonist, and captures the surroundings of the farmer in an unobtrusive, poetic way. 

HONORABLE MENTION: LAKE OF APPLES

In fairy-tale like fashion, the environmental problems of this Macedonian lake are brought to the attention of the viewer.   The film highlughts careful camera work, while also offering concrete solutions.  The film deserves recognition due to the authenticity of the protangonists. 

SHORT FILMS

WINNER: DER BLOCK / THE BLOCK

That a story can be effectively told through a single shot proves the skills of this director. A seemingly common scene develops into an amusing and entertaining film, revealing the social developments of this region in Kyrgyzstan.

HONORABLE MENTION: AFTER THE VOLCANO

This story developed from an archive of Super 8 films, which originally had nothing to do with one another. The decision to compose a drama in this novel format was entertaining. The eccentric idea was carried out in a humourous fashion.

ANIMATIONS

WINNER: BENE’S HORIZON

In this film, the power of the narrative is presented in an outstanding way. The film draws viewers into the life of poachers in Africa, thus enabling them to experience the violent exploitation of the rainforest and its animals.  With feeling, and in a mythical way, an important problem is addressed. Color and music compliment a seemingly simple aesthetic.

HONORABLE MENTION: MISHIMASAIKO

The strength, as well as the fragility, of nature are the subject of this poetic hero-story.  Sophisticated animation techniques are focused on even the smallest details, creating a completely extraordinary aesthetic universe in manga style.

Young Talents

WINNER: THE LAST HOUNDS

The hunter becomes the hunted.  The last hounds is a film that succeeds in telling a story using pictures. The filmmaker, Morgane Thibaut, skillfully minimizes her documentation and thereby manages to captivate the viewer.  An insight into another time and tradition.

HONORABLE MENTION: IN SEARCH ORF LEOPARDS (AND OTHER COOL STUFF)

The newcomer, Josh Guyan, takes us along on his adventurous quest through the jungle.  With him, we are close to the action.  He also creates a sense of suspense and maintains it throughout the entire film.

BEST FILM ON THE TOPIC OF SOIL

DEAD DONKEYS FEAR NO HYENAS

Is this even an environmental movie?  It doesn’t actually matter. This film tells a story that simply must be told, and does it in a very personal way.  Moreover, the film is very well-researched. The imagery is not easy to observe, but never boring.  Dead Donkeys Fear No Hyenas discusses grievances in meaningful ways.

The World Bank and international investors come under severe criticism: the film shows not only the menacing scale of official land grabs in Ethiopia, but also the methods and connections to the global capital system.  The story of small farmers, who have lost their land, is portrayed with impressive camera work. The film is thought provoking and evokes empathy.  And that's a good thing. The film is at once exciting, scandalous and investigative.