KINEMA (German-French Youth Prize)

A jury of six young German and French adolescents awards the Franco-German Youth Prize KINEMA for the best French- or German-language debut or second film. The competition is supported by the State of Lower Saxony, the Franco-German Youth Office, the Friedrich-Walz Foundation, the Institut français Germany, the Académie de Normandie, and Kinema e.V., and is endowed with a prize of 2500 euros.

The aim of the competition is to facilitate dialogue between film-interested German and French youths within the special framework of a festival, to promote mutual interest in each other’s film culture, to support young directors, and to include them in the dialogue between young Germans and French, while also drawing public attention to the Franco-German exchange between Lower Saxony and Normandy.

Director: Pablo Cotten & Joseph Rozé, France 2024, 81 min.

Jury statement:
The tragicomedy ETERNAL PLAYGROUND by directors Pablo Cotten and Joseph Rozé tells the story of the grieving protagonist Gaspard. He gathers his five childhood friends to spend a few days secretly at their former school, to celebrate Gaspard's 25th birthday and his deceased twin sister and to commemorate her.

From the opening scene, we were able to identify with the characters. The friendship was authentically portrayed through many confrontations and laughs within the group. The wide range of camera angles used took us through all the emotions.

The rendering of the Super 16 mm camera, as well as the colors and camera movements, for example during the dance scenes, immerse us in the childlike and summery world of the characters. The music transports us into the story and brings us closer to the twins' unique relationship, which is also expressed in the dialogues with his sister's voiceover.

In our final years at school, we are primarily concerned with the questions of separation and reunion.

Directed: Angela Ottobah, France 2023, 97 min.

JURY-STATEMENT:

The psychodrama RAPTURE by Angela Ottobah portrays the story of a young girl who lives alone with her chronically ill father, who increasingly isolates his daughter Paula from any influences of the outside world throughout the film. He does this with disturbing methods of manipulation and abuse, where the viewer witnesses Paula's growing fear and loss of trust in her father.

The suffocating scenario aptly illustrates the tension that prevails throughout the entire film and grows over the course of the story. This tension is reflected in the music. Close-up shots allow us to immerse ourselves in Paula's world, while underwater shots paradoxically let us catch our breath. The off-screen scenes contribute to expressing the power play between the characters. The actors' gripping portrayal accompanies a crescendo of the physical and psychological decline of the characters. The composition and sequence of carefully selected scenes depict the gradual destruction of a childhood.

Angela Ottobah tells a story of inexhaustible resilience in children in the face of abuse and parental influence.

Directed by: Sophie Linnenbaum, Germany 2022, 120 min.

JURY STATEMENT

THE ORDINARIES by Sophie Linnenbaum is set in a world ruled by film, where everyone has to stick to their role and storyline. This leads to discrimination and suppression of the so-called "outtakes". Paula, the daughter of a supporting and a leading role, is in search of the father she never knew. The audience follows her attempt to become the main character herself and change her fate. The plot immerses us in a new world full of creativity and humour that captivates us from beginning to end. The fact that Paula is the same age as us makes it easy for us to bond with her. The music, which influences the characters' emotions and our own throughout the film, harmonises with the flowing camera work. The close-ups of the characters are used to enhance these emotions, which are also perfectly conveyed through the acting. The different classes in this society are also skilfully characterised by the set design, colours and contrasts. Sophie Linnenbaum thus addresses discrimination and censorship in a controlled society and shows us that it is possible to escape this system with courage, determination and passion.

Jury Members 2022:

• Flavie Deboos , Student in Louviers (Normandy)
• Garance Fouque, Student in Rouen (Normandy)
• Gesa Glaeske, Student in Braunschweig (Lower Saxony)
• Adam Mellouk, Student in Val-de-Reuil (Normandy)
• Julia Schmidt, Student in Braunschweig (Lower Saxony)
• Josh Tlusty, Student in Braunschweig (Lower Saxony)

Directed by: Giovanni Aloi, Frankreich 2020, 92 min.

JURY-STATEMENT

THE THIRD WAR by Giovanni Aloi takes place after the 2015 attacks in Paris.

The film tells about the everyday life of an 18-year-old soldier and the members of his task force. Coming from a working class background, the young man tries to integrate into society and make a positive impact on the world. He faces the harsh reality of everyday military life and the constant tension that tests his psyche.

The cleverly written screenplay keeps the audience spellbound until the end. The gray color scheme, many close-ups, flowing camera movements and the intense sound design make it possible to experience the soldiers' emotional state up close.

We were also impressed by the authentic acting, especially the precise facial expressions and gestures.

Giovanni Aloi shows the soldiers' point of view, which was new for us and which allowed us to better understand the difficulties of this profession and to open our eyes to this invisible war.

Jury Members 2021

• Flavie Deboos , Student in Louviers (Normandy)
• Garance Fouque, Student in Rouen (Normandy)
• Gesa Glaeske, Student in Braunschweig (Lower Saxony)
• Adam Mellouk, Student in Val-de-Reuil (Normandy)
• Julia Schmidt, Student in Braunschweig (Lower Saxony)
• Josh Tlusty, Student in Braunschweig (Lower Saxony)
• Jeanne Frotier de Bagneux, Student in Évreux (Normandy)
• Mala Jacobsen, Student in Braunschweig (Lower Saxony)
• Julien Jolly, Student in Rouen (Normandy)
• César Morel, Student in Neufchâtel-en-Bray (Normandy)
• Fenja Rübenhagen, Student in Braunschweig (Lower Saxony)
• Tyra Schulz, Student in Braunschweig (Lower Saxony)

Directed by: Sarah Suco, France 2019, 89 min.

JURY-STATEMENT

This feature film is characterized by a sincere, intimate script and hidden violence. What happens in this community may seem fraternal and gentle at first. Gradually, however, the viewer realizes that this benevolent community is only an illusion. Through Camille's vision, the unbearable climate of this community is felt with full force. The way the teenager experiences this oppression together with her siblings makes this story all the more poignant and touching.

This drama is carried by the fine interpretation of the actors, especially the young actress Céleste Brunnquell. The settings and costumes reinforce this intense effect. The director shows great courage by presenting a powerful, moving, simply authentic first film from an autobiographical point of view and with oppressive realism.

Honorable mention for KIDS RUN:
Another film that appealed to us and was heavily discussed is „Kids Run“,which is why we give it an honorable mention. This debut film by Barbara Ott succeeds in expressively showing how a loving, sometimes aggressive father stops at nothing to improve the lives of his children and escape from hopeless situations.

Jury Members 2020

• Tristan Karock, student from Hamelin (Lower Saxony)
• Elsa Wilts, student from Hanover (Lower Saxony)
• Jade Ntsiegori, student from Franqueville-Saint-Pierre (Normandy)
• Thomas Tahaghoghi Vatani, student from Franqueville-Saint-Pierre (Normandy)

under the expert guidance of director Gordian Maugg.

The other films in the KINEMA competition were „Mein Schatten über mir“ driected by Victor Gütay, „Slalom“ driected by Charlène Favier, „Back Home“ driected by Jessica Palud as well as „Albträumer“ driected by Marcus Lenz.

The award is supported by the Land Niedersachsen, from the Académie de Rouen in the Normandy, from lower saxony Schulkinoprojekt Kinema e.V. and the Antenne Métropole the metropolitan region of Hannover Braunschweig Göttingen Wolfsburg.

Directed by: Mariko Minoguchi, Germany 2019, 111 min.

JURY-STATEMENT

The film MEIN ENDE. DEIN ANFANG by Mariko Minoguchi tells the story of the protagonist Nora, who experiences a severe blow of fate that disrupts her usual everyday life.
After the death of her boyfriend, Nora tries to rebuild herself and give her life a new meaning. At the same time, Natan's world collapses when he finds out that the most important person to him, his four-year-old daughter, is seriously ill; however, he does not have the financial means to save her. The two stories of the main protagonists intertwine in unexpected ways.

What is special is the cycle that closes again and again, the parts of which only come together in the viewer's mind. The diversity of the characters allows everyone to identify individually with the plot. The spectator is taken over by an emotional tension all the time, in which death, pain, frustration, hope and humor play together. The acting quality immediately places the audience at the center of the action. The interplay of music, light and color creates an impressive, intense atmosphere.
Mariko Minoguchi directorial work changes the usual view of grief, inspires self-reflection and gives hope in humanity.

Jury Members 2019

• Zoe Beil, student in Braunschweig (Lower Saxony)
• Margot Heuzey, student in Honfleur (Normandy)
• Malaury Lormeau, student in Val de Reuil (Normandy)
• Anne Martel, student in Franqueville-Saint-Pierre (Normandy)
• Maja Rode, student in Braunschweig (Lower Saxony)
• Lisa Warnecke, student in Braunschweig (Lower Saxony)

Directed by: Lisa Brühlmann, Switzerland 2018, 97 min.

JURY-STATEMENT

In the film BLUE MY MIND, director Lisa Brühlmann lets the viewer experience the theme of self-discovery in a new, extraordinary way.
The 15-year-old protagonist Mia has difficulties settling in after her move. In her changing world she tries to find her place, doubts about her origins and her new friends arise. As her body changes, she asks herself many questions about her identity and finds refuge in drugs and sex. She feels different and understands very quickly that she is going through something extraordinary. 

The director creates an intense relationship of the audience to Mia's life through person-centered camerawork and the viewer finds themselves in an emotional dichotomy about Mia's personality. BLUE MY MIND offers metaphorical interpretations and becomes an artful experience. The color scheme is subject to a constant reference to water and cold as a guide through the film experience. Provocative scenes and actions create a distance from the main character, yet everyone finds themselves personally in Mia. A great soundtrack and excellent acting round out the work.
Lisa Brühlmann's film stimulates reflection and has a lasting effect on our thoughts and feelings.

Jury members 2018

• Josie Barth, 16 years old, student in Braunschweig (Lower Saxony)
• Léa Bouabdallah, 16 years old, student in Le Havre (Normandy)
• Marlitt Evers, 16, schoolgirl in Braunschweig (Lower Saxony)
• Eugénie Guest, 17 years old, student in Pont-Audemer (Normandy)
• Leo Könneke, 16 years old, student in Braunschweig (Lower Saxony)
• Tom Louis, 16 years old, student in Gaillon (Normandy)

[Belgium / Netherlands / Denmark 2016, 110 min., German premiere
Language: French, subtitles: German
Directed by: Nathalie Teirlinck
Camera: Frank van den Eeden
Script: Nathalie Teirlinck
Cut: Morten Egholm, Frederik Strunk, Molly Stensgaard
Actors: Evelyne Brochu, Zuri François, Eriq Ebouaney
Production: Xavier Rombaut, Bart Van Langendonck
Music: John Parish
Sound: Michel Schöpping
Rental: Savage Film

The reasoning of the jury

With a sad and very special mood, PAST IMPERFECT conveys how our past shapes us and yet how present is still with each of us. Nathalie Teirlinck creates an extraordinary film with the story of her protagonist Alice, which shows a special relationship between mother and child. Through her profession as an escort, Alice is used to hiding her true feelings. Now, when her 6-year-old son Robin enters her life, she is completely overwhelmed by the situation as he confronts her with her own past. Not only through the use of cool lighting and many scenes at night, but also through the appropriate music, the feeling of loneliness and helplessness is awakened in the viewer.

PAST IMPERFECT doesn't need a lot of dialogue to authentically portray the difficult, yet touching, story. The very fluid transitions and the many close-ups evoke an intense and intimate connection between the characters and the viewer. Last but not least, Robin, who is often left alone, visualizes the loneliness also embodied by the anonymity of the big city. Nathalie Teirlinck creates space for interpretation right from the start, drawing one under the spell of an important and great film.

Jury members

• Lise Quenet, 16 years old, student in Le Havre (Normandy)
• Thibault Gauthier, 17 years old, student in Le Havre (Normandy)
• Juliette Bechadergue, 17 years old, student in Évreux  (Normandy)
• Natalija Pavlic, 16 years old, student in Braunschweig (Lower Saxony)
• Lilli Klementz, 16 years old, student in Braunschweig (Lower Saxony)
• Clara Neumann, 17 years old, student in Braunschweig (Lower Saxony)

France 2016, 80 Min., German Premiere
Language: French, Subtitles: German
Directed by: Morgan Simon
Camera: Julien Poupard
Script: Morgan Simon
Cut: Marie Loustalot
Actors: Kévin Azaïs, Monia Chokri, Nathan Willcocks
Production: Jean-Christophe Reymond, Amaury Ovise
Music: Selim Aymard, Julien Krug
Sound: Mathieu Villien
Rental: Versatile

The reasoning of the jury

A simple but complex script, in which not much is said, but everything is shown. Morgan Simon adapts the Oedipus complex in a modern way, illustrating the conflict and love between father and son, on every conceivable level. Compte tes Blessures shows the protagonist's constant confrontation with the real world, as well as a generational conflict with the son's social milieu and the father's as disputants. The cinematography, which captures the energy of the story, and the powerful music, which gives vent to the emotions and anger, act sublimely over the breathtaking trio of actors. Both bring about a catharsis that leaves the viewer with a pleasurable feeling, leaving the auditorium exhilarated.
The film shows that Morgan Simon is a great hope for the French and European cinema of tomorrow.

Jury members

• Élize Fraisse, 17 years old, student in Le Havre (Normandy)
• Victor Gütay, 16 years old, student in Gifhorn (Lower Saxony)
• Camille Sineux, student in Évreux (Normandy)
• Evo Tammena, 17 years old, student in Leer (Lower Saxony)
• Victor Touzé, 17 years old, student in Bernay (Normandy)

France 2014, 86 Min., German Premiere
Language: French, Subtitles: German
Directed by: Frédéric Nicolas
Camera: Sébastien Buchmann
Script: Frédéric Nicolas, François Bégaudeau
Actors: Camélia Pand’or, Jisca Kalvanda, Adam Hegazy
Cut: Mike Fromentin, Gilda Fine
Music: Simon Neel, Camélia Pand’Or
Production: Elisabeth Perez
Sound: Jean-Michel Tresallet, Pierre Bariaud, Samuel Aïchoun
Rental: Alpha Violet
to the Trailer

The reasoning of the jury

n his film "Max & Lenny", Fred Nicolas shows the emergence of an intimate friendship between two girls from Marseille, which offers them new perspectives. In an effort to approximate reality as closely as possible, Nicolas' actors, themselves from Marseille, are almost entirely amateurs. Through atmospheric shots, the director immerses us in the heart of the city: Here, living conditions are far from ideal, especially in the disadvantaged neighborhoods. In its dichotomy of sea and high-rise housing estate, freewheeling and imprisonment, the city itself becomes the bearer of meaning. Likewise, the film's score takes on a crucial role: written by the lead actress herself, Camélia Pand'or, accusatory rap clarifies Lenny's only means of expressing her rebellion against systematic injustice. Fred Nicolas has created a realistic film whose ending leaves room for hope.

Jury members

• Léa Delferriere, 17 years old, student in  Le Havre (Haute-Normandy)
• Maud Falaise, 16 years old, student in Yvetot (Haute-Normandy)
• Laura Klegräfe, 16 years old, student in Hannover (Lower Saxony)
• Matis Moisson, 16 years old, student in Yvetot (Haute-Normandy)
• Maren Petrich, 17 years old, student in Göttingen (Lower Saxony)
• Ann-Kristin Tlusty, 21 years old, student in Hildesheim (Lower Saxony)

Germany 2013/2014, 112 Min.
Directed by: Burhan Qurbani
Script: Burhan Qurbani, Martin Behnke;
Camera: Yoshi Heimrath;
Cut: Julia Karg;
Music: Matthias Sayer
Sound: Stephan von Hase, Kai Lüde, Rainer Gerlach
Actorsr: Devid Striesow, Thorsten Merten, Saskia Rosendahl, Jonas Nay, Joel Basman, Trang Le Hong
Production: TeamWorx Television & Film
Rental: Zorro Film
to the Trailer

The reasoning of the jury

"WE ARE YOUNG. WIR SIND STARK" by Burhan Qurbani shows us in shocking and unsparing images the xenophobic attacks on a home for asylum seekers in Rostock-Lichtenhagen in 1992. The round trips of the camera let us dive into the vicious circle of violence and a history that repeats itself and affects all generations and all social classes. As viewers, we are literally overwhelmed by the brutality of the events. The transition from black and white to color added to the impression of injustice and made us think about the topicality of the issue in France, Germany and throughout Europe. With this film, the director has awakened our attention and made us aware of our role in society. We do not have the right to remain passive, we must face our responsibility.

Jury members

• Katja Friedewald, 20 years old, student in Göttingen (Lower Saxony)
• Charlotte Lordet, 16 years old, student in Évreux (Haute-Normandy)
• Romane Rossettini, 17 years old, student in Yvetot (Haute-Normandy)
• Laurine Sauvage. 16 years old, student in Yvetot (Haute-Normandy)
• Bente Schill, 21 years old, student in Göttingen (Lower Saxony)
• Marta Tomé, 19 years old, student in Braunschweig (Lower Saxony)

[Translate to Englisch:] Frankreich 2013
Regie: Katell Quillévéré
Buch: Katell Quillévéré, Mariette Désert
Kamera: Tom Harari
Schnitt: Thomas Marchand
Musik: Verity Susman
Darsteller: Sara Forestier, François Damien, Adèle Haenel
Produktion: Move Movie
Verleih: Arsenal
94 Min., DCP, Farbe, OmdU

Begründung der Jury

Der Film führt uns in die Provence nach Südfrankreich. Doch vom pitoresken Charme der Region ist im ganzen Film nichts zu sehen, denn die Geschichte spielt sich in den grauen Außenbezirken der Kleinstadt Arles und den Banlieues Marseilles ab. Es wird über zwei Jahrzehnte die Geschichte zweier Schwestern erzählt, die in früher Kindheit ihre Mutter verloren und trotz aller Widrigkeiten, die ihr Leben prägen, eine enge Beziehung pflegen, die stark von der Hilfe und Unterstützung des Vaters abhängt. Das authentische Spiel der Darsteller sowie die lebensnahen Aufnahmen versetzen den Zuschauer in ein scheinbares Abbild der Realität. Eine Realität, die von Härte geprägt ist, ohne dabei jemals brutal zu werden. Dabei ist der Film nie vorhersehbar und hält immer wieder unerwartete Wendungen bereit, die durch wiederkehrende musikalische Themen untermalt werden. Wir sehen eine Geschichte des Lebens, in der eine Familie trotz zahlreicher Brüche am Ende wieder zu sich selbst findet — In ihrer Mitte eine Hauptfigur, die ihr Leben kompromisslos angeht: Suzanne.

Jury-Mitglieder

• Amalric Lombard de Buffières (17 Jahre) Schüler in Verneuil sur Havre (Haute-Normandie)
• Camille Grossmann (17 Jahre) Schülerin  in Verneuil sur Havre (Haute-Normandie)
• Emeline Roger (17 Jahre) Schülerin in Verneuil sur Havre (Haute-Normandie)
• Eske Hilbrands (17 Jahre) Schülerin in Leer (Niedersachsen)
• Marie Johanna Trautmann (20 Jahre) Studentin in Braunschweig (Niedersachsen)
• Philine Behrens (18 Jahre) Schülerin in Buxtehude (Niedersachsen)

[Translate to Englisch:] Kanada 2012, 111 Min., OmeU
Regie & Buch: Nathalie Saint-Pierre
Darsteller: Frédérique Paré, Émilie Bierre, Joyce Tamara-Hall, Rosine Chouinard-Chauveau
Produktion: Extérieur Nuit
Verleih: Axia Films

Die Begründung der Jury

Einer Evolution gleich, zeigt uns die Regisseurin Nathalie Saint-Pierre in der Addition der berührenden Mädchenschicksale intensiv und schonungslos, wie man in einer Welt ohne Liebe und Geborgenheit schutzlos ausgeliefert ist – vom Neugeborenen bis zur jungen Frau. Thematisiert wird das Leben junger Mädchen in Pflegefamilien in Québec, die im Laufe ihres Lebens immer wieder abgewiesen werden, bevor sie als junge Erwachsene in einer kalten, abweisenden Welt ausgesetzt werden. Eine hervorragende Kamera, ein zwingender Stil mit herausragenden Kindern und Jugendlichen als Schauspieler runden diesen schönen und gleichsam harten Film ab.

Jurymitglieder

• Mado Berrenger (16 Jahre) Schülerin in Rouen (Haute-Normandie)
• Timo Neumann (17 Jahre) Schüler in Rastede (Niedersachsen)
• Noémie Jobard (17 Jahre) Schülerin in Rouen (Haute-Normandie)
• Rosalie Schuster (18 Jahre) Schülerin in Hannover(Niedersachsen)
• Anna-Lena Schulte (17 Jahre) Schülerin in Braunschweig (Niedersachsen)