Awards

The Private Life of Fenfen - Leslie Tai

Statement of the Jury:

“A man is like an onion, you have to strip back his layers. And the more layers a woman peels back, the more that makes her cry.” Fenfen sais so in a film as stirring as life itself and as multi-layered as an onion. In the video journal of this young Chinese woman, the camera becomes a medium for reflection, a space to make confessions and to bear witness.

The private images – played back by the director in a hair salon or a tea kitchen – are transformed into the object of public discussion. This gives the private a political dimension and the viewer himself becomes part of the narrative.

Emil - Martin Schmidt

In this animated short film, Schmidt shows the dramatic struggle between egg and chick. While the protective egg seems desirous of maintaining calm and balance, the new life within it doggedly strains outwards. We were impressed by Schmidt’s technical perfection and surprising allusions to the dramatic composition of horror films. Anytime the egg senses a period of quiet, the struggle enters a new phase, nicely emphasized by the music. For the first time, we get to see things from the previously neglected point of view of the egg – an original and powerful change in perspective.

The Private Life of Fenfen - Leslie Tai

Statement of the jury:

ESCORT observes Dutch border guards during a three-week training unit. Here they learn to deport people. Specifically the training is about how to get people who resist deportation with physical violence onto an air plane without harming them. They also learn to restrain people so they cannot kick or hit those around them, how to carry them and protect their head; until they can be strapped down in the plane.

This film very clearly shows the dilemma of the border guards. Their empathy with the asylum seekers, who may have to leave their children or families behind. Their obligations and their emotions are not the same. The question of humaneness and justice are addressed as part of the training.

And also the question: “Is it humane to deport people against their will and while they are actually begging to be allowed to stay?” Also for the border guards, this is a difficult question.

The film deals with a politically and socially relevant issue. What is extraordinary is the perspective: The point of view of those who actually have to carry out the deportations, physically transport people back to where they came from. We are with them and not with the victims – the deported.

In its plain, documentary style the film is very impressive. It takes the viewers along for the ride, but also gives them room for their on conclusions.

An outstanding film that impressed all members of the jury, even the young ones.

Our congratulations!

Unmanned Distances - Bertrand Flanet

Statement of the jury:

In “Unmanned Distances” two women have an intimate telephone conversation while engaging in everyday activities. One is driving through a large city, while the other is at the same time directing a drone from her work station. In this two-screen projection, we see not the protagonists, but only what they themselves see.

This installation is touching because of how casually it blends war and everyday life.

By simple means, this topical work manages to capture the viewer through its precision, and to address the absurdity of de-humanized war.