The competition films in the 32nd Braunschweig International Film Festival (November 5-11, 2018) have been finalized. Ten European debut and second films, all of them German premieres, will compete for two prizes this year: the "Volkswagen Financial Services Film Prize", endowed with 10,000 euros and presented for the first time, and the audience prize the "Heinrich", also endowed with 10,000 euros by Volkswagen Financial Services.
The "Volkswagen Financial Film Prize" is awarded by a jury comprising Polish film critic Kaja Klimek, German director Ingo Haeb, Spanish media artist Digital21 and Dr. Frank Woesthoff, Head of Corporate Communications at Volkswagen Financial Services.
The prize money from the "Volkswagen Financial Services Film Prize" goes to the director, the prize money from the public competition the “Heinrich" goes equally to the director and the German distributor.
The winning films will be announced at the awards ceremony on Saturday, 10 November at the Brunswick State Theatre.
Competition Films:
Adam und Evelyn German Premiere
director: Andreas Goldstein, DE/2018, 100 min
The filming of the novel ADAM AND EVELYN tells the story of a couple from August to winter in 1989. During a holiday in Hungary, the border to Austria is opened. While Evelyn wants to cross the border, Adam ends up in the West against his will.
Brothers (OT: Broers) German premiere
director: Bram Schouw, NL/2017, 105 min
Spontaneous road trip from Amsterdam to the summery South of France: both very different brothers, the reserved Lukas and the charismatic, daring Alexander set off together on a hitchhiking trip which has unforeseen consequences.
Crystal Swan (OT: ХpyctacЛЬ) German premiere
director: Darya Zhuk, BLR/DE/2018, 93. min
American Dream meets post Soviet reality in a bitter-sweet coming-of-age comedy. Belarusian Evelina wants to go to Chicago and live out her passion for house music. Crystal swans can be of help here. Debut film with a strong cast in trendy colours.
History of Love (OT: Zgodovina Ljubezni) German premiere
director: Sonja Prosenc, SLO/I/NOR/2018, 105 min
„Life never happens to us in a linear way.“ 17-years Iva overcomes her isolation and sudden death of her mother. Surprising sound effects and a hypnotic score break expectations and lead the audience to unknown places.
Luna German premiere
director: Elsa Diringer, F/2018, 93 min
16-year-old Luna lives in southern France. Drunk, she and friends attack a young stranger. A few weeks later he suddenly turns up again in her life...sensitive romantic drama that stays exciting right up to the end.
Manuel (Original title: Il figlio Manuel) German premiere
director: Dario Albertini, I/2017, 95 min
Having grown up in a children's home, Manuel pursues one goal: bringing his mum from jail back home. To convince the authorities, he has to assume a lot of responsibility at 18. Only thus can he procure her freedom. Authentic moving drama.
Obey German premiere
director: Jamie Jones, UK/2018, 90 min
Inspired by the Occupy Movement of 2011, OBEY tells the story of Leon in powerful images and with a thrilling soundtrack . Leon tries to find his way in the middle of the London protests, difficult home circumstances and interpersonal problems.
Sir (German title: Die Schneiderin der Träume) German premiere
director: Rohena Gera, FR/IND 2018, 96 min
Wealthy Ashwin and his young widowed domestic servant Ratna live in a apartment in Mumbai and yet in different worlds. In spite of the deeply engrained class differences, they move closer together.
What have we done to deserve this? (German title: Womit haben wir das verdient?) German premiere
director: Eva Spreitzhofer, DE/2018, 90 min
This Austrian comedy deals with the issue of Islamization by means of a Viennese blended family. Wanda, an enlightened feminist, is shocked when her daughter declares that she will be wearing a head scarf from now on. Entertaining feelgood film.
X – The Exploited German premiere
Super exciting thriller about a Budapest policewoman who discovers a highly explosive series of political murders and during this is confronted by her own past. With a great main actor who already shone in LIZA, THE FOX-FAIRY.
Press release for download.