Generation Awards and Juries

© Partizan Films

©

Maya, donne-moi un titre (Maya, Give Me a Title)
by Michel Gondry

Jury Statement:

The many small stories in one big story have given us a new perspective on the possibilities of filmmaking. We found the father-daughter relationship very touching. And the funny scenes put a smile on our faces.

Zirkuskind (Circusboy)
by Julia Lemke, Anna Koch

Jury Statement:

We found this a very funny, interesting and touching story which includes some exceptional animations. Each of us has taken this special family into our hearts.

Little Rebels Cinema Club
by Khozy Rizal

Jury Statement:

This film is about the connecting passion of creativity and cinema. The emotions of the young protagonists moved us to tears and won the hearts of the jury.

Down in the Dumps
by Vera van Wolferen

Jury Statement:

This lovingly created animation told us a story which reveals that dark feelings can only be overcome with the help of friends. We found the film very moving and original.

Sunshine
by Antoinette Jadaone

Jury Statement:

This film takes a sensitive view on its modern and socially critical topic and its strong message. It touched us not only through the acting performances, but also with its dark, yet hopeful and empowering atmosphere, which the filmmakers created with their way of storytelling. It raises our awareness by confronting us with the reality of the social and political problems it addresses, which unfortunately still exist today. The film’s balance of different moral perspectives and impressive stylistic elements creates an immersive reality that feels authentic and deeply moving. Nothing about it feels exaggerated or distant—it draws us in and enables us to experience the characters’ inner conflicts in an inspiring way that stays with us long after we’ve finished watching. Whether or not viewers can directly identify with the issues it tackles, we believe this film will leave a lasting impact.

Hora do recreio (Playtime)
by Lucia Murat

Jury Statement:

A film whose visuals alone left a profound impact on us. By addressing important themes with a blend of diverse artistic forms and a clear, structured narrative, it took us on an emotional journey, a journey that has resonated deeply while still offering a hopeful and inspiring vision for the future. With its symbolic yet easily accessible storytelling, it is a vital film for our times, portraying the struggles against systemic discrimination, inequality, and violence while providing a platform to highlight resilience and contributions to society. A film that deserves more discussion and recognition.

Wish You Were Ear
by Mirjana Balogh

Jury Statement:

This film confronts the philosophical question of existence and self-realisation in the most artistic and therefore universally accessible way. Its creative abstraction and profound symbolism touched and inspired us. The philosophy behind the subject matter in particular made us think about how life shapes us and how we deal with change. The film confronts us with transience, but at the same time reveals that we are forever made up of everything we experience. It reminds us how essential communication, mutual respect and understanding are to the purest human existence, no matter how different our experiences are.

Atardecer en América (Sunset over America)
by Matías Rojas Valencia

Jury Statement:

Will our names be written on these borders?
Will this soil hold the sweat of my people?
Will this sea blame me for these restless corpses?
Will the sun dry my mother's tears?
Will the moon witness our passage?
Will the winds whisper our stories to the sky,
Or will they drown in the silence of those who have died?
The film's setting is deeply inspiring and captures a harsh journey. It evokes a sense of displacement and loss, leaving us to reflect on the immense challenges faced by those seeking a new life.
This is a film about a lost childhood ...

Zhi Wu Xue Jia (The Botanist)
by Jing Yi

Jury Statement:

This film immerses us in an untouched world through a young boy’s eyes. Amidst nature’s magic, his home is under threat, and he tries to keep it close to him. A quiet yet powerful tale of loss and hope, this film captivates with breathtaking visuals, urging us to cherish nature and recognise our responsibility to preserve it in this fast changing world.

Umibe é Iku Michi (Seaside Serendipity)
by Satoko Yokohama

Jury Statement:

This film touched our hearts with its tenderness and playful humour. A bright and vibrant ode to imagination and creativity, reminding us of the boundless possibilities of art and the joy found in unexpected moments.

Autokar
by Sylwia Szkiłądź

Jury Statement:

This film touched us with its strong storytelling and magical realism, immersing us in a young girl’s imaginative world. It portrays a journey of self-discovery, where the wolf shifts from being a symbol of danger to one of embracing the unknown.

Akababuru: Expresión de asombro (Akababuru: Expression of Astonishment)
by Irati Dojura Landa Yagarí

Jury Statement:

This film transports us to a world filled with magic and the laughter of children. It is imbued with authentic storytelling, lively animation and charming performances. It shows us the beauty of filmmaking and a deep love for the community. This film is a heartfelt tribute to Emberá girls, and is well deserving of this special mention.

Ne réveillez pas l’enfant qui dort (Don’t Wake the Sleeping Child)
by Kevin Aubert

Jury Statement:

This film offers a deeply touching glimpse into a young girl’s life, her family, and her community. Its reserved storytelling and naturalistic cinematography create powerful, lasting emotions. With a strong visual style for a short film debut, the director shows great promise. Sometimes, quiet speaks volumes.

Beneath Which Rivers Flow
by Ali Yahya

Jury Statement:

The film takes us into a dystopian world where the loss of home looms like a painful shadow over the protagonist. Without words, it shows us the fear of loss, and the feeling of stagnation. This prize goes to the community of Ibrahim and his family.