Ex aqueo with Becoming Who I Was (2017). "In this remarkable film we learn through the eyes of a ... More

Ex aqueo with Becoming Who I Was (2017). "In this remarkable film we learn through the eyes of a little girl how to cope with loss. The lesson that this incredible heroine learns and that moved us to tears is that no matter how much it hurts, it is the unconditional love of the people around you that will ease your pain. Besides the outstanding performance of the young main actress the jury was also very impressed by the beautiful cinematography and sensual mise-en-scène!"

"Set in the historical context of the United States civil rights movement in the 1950s and '60s, ... More

"Set in the historical context of the United States civil rights movement in the 1950s and '60s, and through the words of James Baldwin, this documentary continues to be relevant today, triggering universal issues of justice and human rights."

"This film is a moving story about a transgender woman in Chile. Despite social ostracism and ... More

"This film is a moving story about a transgender woman in Chile. Despite social ostracism and personal humiliation, Marina continues to fight for her rights while maintaining her dignity. Refusing to only be identified by her sex, she struggles to have the freedom to live up to her full potential."

"The jury is happy to announce its unanimous decision to award CICAE Panorama Prize of the Berlin ... More

"The jury is happy to announce its unanimous decision to award CICAE Panorama Prize of the Berlin Film Festival to Brazilian filmmaker Anna Muylaert for her film Que Horas Ela Volta? With loving view, the director accompanies her main characters' life with gentle tones and subtle humour covering heavy conflicts and social issues of modern Brazil. It's a story about two women, of two different generations shown by an outstanding performance of two actresses: Regina Casé and Camila Márdila. Muylaert easily overcomes the distance between audience and screen simply throughout their huge empathy for the struggle between work and worries about their family."

"Our award goes to a film showing great personal and artistic bravery. It is a multilayered tale ... More

"Our award goes to a film showing great personal and artistic bravery. It is a multilayered tale about everyday life, an original narrative exploration of both human choices and constrained existence. A humane and subtle portrait of a filmmaker and his country, a man and his surroundings and fellow citizens. Above all, this witty, sharp and devious take on freedom of speech encapsulates the struggle of all artists who seek to overcome the restrictions of reality and express their emotions and opinions regardless of censorship or state bans. The prize for the best film in Competition goes to Taxi directed by Jafar Panahi."

This deeply unsettling film exposes the evil mass murders which took place in Indonesia in 1965 and... More

This deeply unsettling film exposes the evil mass murders which took place in Indonesia in 1965 and reveals the monstrosity of these crimes. It re-opens a deep wound with the conviction that it is worthwhile to unearth such atrocities.

Felix van Groeningen is a real filmmaker. This is a beautiful and original way of looking at a ... More

Felix van Groeningen is a real filmmaker. This is a beautiful and original way of looking at a mother and father's relationship with their terminally sick daughter. We especially liked the cinematography, the non-linear structure of the story, and the fact that he avoids easy emotional manipulation while dealing with a tough subject. The music from the parents' bluegrass band is not just the soundtrack but a source of energy and hope for everyone. The clear message is that we must invest in scientific research and not allow religion or politics to interfere.

For its refreshing and contagious plea that life is a celebration to which we are all invited, ... More

For its refreshing and contagious plea that life is a celebration to which we are all invited, regardless of age or condition, and that its complexities only add to the challenge to live it in full.

For its use of poignant metaphors, images and stories to instill compassion, for foregrounding ... More

For its use of poignant metaphors, images and stories to instill compassion, for foregrounding women's lives and points of view in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and for showing that certain life situations make it hard not to take sides.