The members of the Youth Jury Generation 14plus - Theodor Bittner Rosser, Christian Däbritz, Johanna Deventer, Pauline Rebmann, Avesta Schiefer, Alanza Clarice Leigh Lovejoy Schmidt, and Janek Sommerfeldt - give the following awards:
Crystal Bear for the Best Film: Hölmö nuori sydän (Stupid Young Heart)
by Selma Vilhunen, Finland / Netherlands / Sweden
This film takes up topics that are above all of great relevance for our age group. It examines motivations behind the current political shift towards the right and xenophobia in our society. With its combination of humour, seriousness and emotion, this film tells the story of a romantic relationship between two adolescents who experience little consistency in their lives. The radical coming-of-age of the protagonists is constantly overshadowed by the confrontation with racism and the search for identity.
Special Mention: We Are Little Zombies
by Makoto Nagahisa, Japan
In this film, various camera perspectives and editing techniques defy narrative conventions. Surreal and real images coincide in this work of art. As the plot advances, the characters reach a new level. Sound effects, music and visual elements support the video-game-like structure. With this Special Mention, we would like to honour a film with an extraordinarily distinctive style.
Crystal Bear for the Best Short Film: Tattoo
by Farhad Delaram, Iran
Our winning film tackles topics such as oppression, sexism, power relationships, sexual harassment and prejudices. In spite of the calm general mood of the film, a high-contrast colour scheme manages to generate a tense atmosphere over time, and the admirable use of square framing heightens the feeling that the female lead is under great pressure. When everything becomes dark at the end of the film, it is clear that the protagonist has to make a significant decision.
Special Mention: Four Quartets
by Marco Alessi, United Kingdom
The use of pulsating colours and the rousing music sweep us up in a dream-like flow here. This effect is reinforced by the layering of various experiences and memories. With very few words and expressive movements on the part of the protagonist, we begin to identify with her. This short film allowed us to experience multifaceted love, friendship and the search for identity.
