Two Awards for FABW Films at Saarbrücken’s Traditional Festival
On 25th January 2025, two films from Filmakademie Baden-Wuerttemberg were honoured with Audience Awards at the 46th Max Ophuels Prize Film Festival. The prestigious festival, which has been a significant platform for German-language emerging filmmakers for over 40 years, awarded YUMI – THE WHOLE WORLD and SKIN ON SKIN with €5,000 each. In addition, FABW graduate Jan David Gunther was the DoP on the three-time award-winning film IMPATIENCE OF THE HEART.
YUMI – THE WHOLE WORLD: Audience Award for Documentary Film
The documentary YUMI – THE WHOLE WORLD (directed by Felix Golenko, produced by MSZ Production & Consulting, producer: Márk Szilágyi) follows three law students who embark on a mission to bring climate change before the International Court of Justice. With determination and perseverance, they work towards securing a historic UN resolution that establishes the legal obligations of states regarding climate protection. The film highlights the global dimensions of this endeavour and has already been presented at significant institutions such as the International Court of Justice in The Hague and the United Nations in New York. The Audience Award for Documentary Film is voted on by the festival audience and is presented to the production company on behalf of the team.
SKIN ON SKIN: Audience Award for Medium-Length Film
The 30-minute feature film SKIN ON SKIN (directed by Simon Schneckenburger, produced by Filmakademie Baden-Wuerttemberg, producer: Leon Döhner) depicts a silent connection between a security guard and a worker in an industrial slaughterhouse. Amid violence and cold, they fight against internal and external pressures, ultimately leading them into a spiral of power and helplessness. The Audience Award for Medium-Length Film was also presented to the production company on behalf of the team.
Success for FABW Graduate Jan David Gunther as Cinematographer
In addition to the Audience Awards for FABW films, Filmakademie graduate Jan David Gunther also triumphed at the 2025 Max Ophuels Prize. His feature film debut as Director of Photography, UNGEDULD DES HERZENS (IMPATIENCE OF THE HEART, directed by Lauro Cress), won the prestigious main award “MAX OPHUELS PREIS: BEST FEATURE FILM”, worth €36,000. The film, a graduation project from the DFFB, had its world premiere at the Saarbrücken festival on 23rd January 2025. Furthermore, UNGEDULD DES HERZENS received two additional awards in the Best Acting Debut category: Giulio Brizzi and Ladina von Frisching were recognised for their outstanding performances in the film.
The Max Ophuels Prize: A Launchpad for Emerging Filmmakers
Since its inception in 1980, the Max Ophuels Prize Film Festival has established itself as one of the most significant events for young filmmakers in the German-speaking world. With around 150 submissions annually, the event provides an established platform for showcasing emerging projects to a wide audience and industry professionals. For young filmmakers, an award at the Max Ophuels Prize is an important milestone on the path to a successful career. In 2025, the festival impressed with 57 films in the four competition categories, including 38 world premieres, and facilitated discussions on socially relevant topics as well as new cinematic approaches.
The festival’s streaming service remains available on the official website until 2nd February 2025.