Feb 25, 2023
Berlinale 2023: Crystal Bears and Prizes of the Deutsches Kinderhilfswerk (The Children’s Charity of Germany) at Generation Kplus

Crystal Bears

The members of the Children’s Jury Generation Kplus – Luan Faik Can, Valerie Louise Da Silva Matos, Timon Mahlke, Nina Marie Stellmacher, Defne Frida Sungu, Enno Winch, Jerrit Wunder – have awarded the following prizes:

Crystal Bear for the Best Film: Sweet As
by Jub Clerc, Australia

A film that touched us by virtue of the personal stories of the characters and its impressive backdrops. You’ve seen various characters grow together.

Special Mention: Zeevonk (Sea Sparkle)
by Domien Huyghe, Belgium / Netherlands

A determined and enraged young girl who never gave up hope caused us tension as well as sadness. The rough sea and the proper music created a great atmosphere.

Crystal Bear for the Best Short Film: Closing Dynasty (Queenie)
by Lloyd Lee Choi, USA

An impressive film, both in terms of the settings and the emotions, with a great actress. We were compelled to think about poverty and wealth.

Special Mention: Deniska umřela (Dede Is Dead)
by Philippe Kastner, Czechia

A real story which triggered an abundance of emotions: A great animation, with a special drawing style and beautifully used colours, inspired us!

Awards of the Generation Kplus International Jury, sponsored by the Deutsches Kinderhilfswerk (The Children’s Charity of Germany)

The members of the Generation Kplus International Jury – Marco Alessi, Venice Atienza, Gudrun Sommer – have awarded the following prizes:

The Grand Prix of the Generation Kplus International Jury for the Best Film, endowed with 7,500 Euros:

Mimi (She – Hero)
by Mira Fornay, Slovakia

From its very first shot, this film had the jury under its spell. All manner of issues, characters and complexities meet in the enchanted microcosm of the forest, which sets the stage for its wilful, young protagonist. This film celebrates ingenuity, creativity and openness. Through its tone, pace and humorous spirit, it beautifully walks the tightrope between reality and fantasy. This is the story of a young girl looking for a bird.

Special Mention: L’Amour du monde (Longing for the World)
by Jenna Hasse, Switzerland

The jury was struck by this film’s quiet and rich portrayal of its protagonist’s evolving desires. It depicts a constellation of lost characters stuck in states of transition, and offers a surprising, poetic, multigenerational take on the coming-of-age narrative.

The Special Prize of the Generation Kplus International Jury for the Best Short Film, endowed with 2,500 euros:

Waking Up in Silence
by Mila Zhluktenko, Daniel Asadi Faezi, Germany / Ukraine

We would like to give the prize to a film that offers a tender glimpse into the daily rhythms of a dislocated childhood. This film’s effortless intimacy bears witness to enduring joy, strength and innocence against a backdrop of profound loss. We were moved by the film’s confident approach. It powerfully evokes a sense of place and history as it offers an important snapshot of the urgent present.

Special Mention: Xiaohui he ta de niu (Xiaohui and His Cows)
by Xinying Lao, People’s Republic of China

Breath-taking cinematography, deeply charming characters and deft storytelling all come together in this poignant short. This is a story of love and chosen family. It’s also a story about survival, and honours the emotional hardships of its characters, both boy and cow.

Press Office
February 25, 2023