MUNICH, Germany — The 42nd Munich International Film Festival concluded on July 5, showcasing exceptional filmmaking with awards handed out to a range of creative talents. This year’s festival, which ran from June 27 to July 6, attracted approximately 91,000 attendees for around 600 film screenings and industry events. Notably, this was the first year the attendance figures included the numerous networking opportunities, with over 16,000 participants engaging in industry-related activities.
Among the highlights, the €100,000 CineCoPro Award, emphasizing German co-production, was awarded to “A Poet” by Simón Mesa Soto. The film’s German co-producers, Katharina Bergfeld and Heino Deckert from ma.ja.de, were celebrated for their contribution. A three-member jury, which included Matthijs Wouter Knol, Jochen Laube, and Anne Carey, praised the film for effectively portraying the artist’s journey in a challenging world, highlighting its compelling direction and humor while exploring complex themes.
The €15,000 CineMasters Award for Best International Film went to “Kika,” directed by Alexe Poukine. The jury members, including actress and director Emma Bading, director Eva Trobisch, and screenwriter Maria Schrader, lauded the film for addressing profound life themes such as love, grief, and resilience, describing it as both intimate and politically resonant.
David Bim’s “To the West, in Zapata” received the CineVision Award for Best International Debut Film, chosen from 14 contenders. The jury, consisting of producer Viola Fügen, screenwriter Moritz Binder, and director Leo Leigh, commended the film for immersing viewers in the Cuban landscape, underlining its focus on human survival amid adversity.
The CineRebels Award, worth €15,000, recognized “Okamoto” by Soujiro Sanada for its originality. Meanwhile, the German Cinema New Talent Award was awarded to Christina Tournatzés for Best Director for her work on “Karla.” Praising Tournatzés for her courage in tackling difficult subjects, the jury noted how she artfully balanced darkness with humanity. “Karla” also earned the Best Screenplay Award for Yvonne Görlach and the FIPRESCI Prize.
Jacqueline Jansen claimed the award for Best Production for “Sechswochenamt,” a film she directed. The jury acknowledged the complexities of independent filmmaking, emphasizing the significance of collaboration under challenging circumstances. Additionally, Magdalena Laubisch was recognized with the Best Acting Performance Award for her role in “Sechswochenamt.”
Winners at the festival included a mix of international and local filmmakers, reflecting the rich diversity of the cinematic landscape. The list of awards announced during the ceremony underscored a commitment to recognizing both new talent and established artists.
The complete list of winners highlights notable achievements:
– CineCoPro Award: “A Poet” – Simón Mesa Soto
– CineMasters Award: “Kika” – Alexe Poukine
– CineVision Award: “To the West, in Zapata” – David Bim
– CineRebels Award: “Okamoto” – Soujiro Sanada
– FIPRESCI Prize: “Sechswochenamt” – Jacqueline Jansen
– Best Director: Christina Tournatzés – “Karla”
Additional audience awards were also presented, with “Zweigstelle” by Julius Grimm winning the Audience Award in the national category and “Sentimental Value” by Joachim Trier receiving the international category award.
This year’s festival not only celebrated the art of cinema but also fostered connections among filmmakers and audiences, reinforcing Munich’s position as a key player in the global film industry.
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