Filmakademie Graduates Soleen Yusef and Chiara Fleischhacker Honoured
At the prestigious ceremony of the German Film Critics' Award for 2024, held on February 16, 2025, during the Berlinale at the Akademie der Künste in Berlin, outstanding films from the past year were celebrated. Two alumnae of Filmakademie Baden-Wuerttemberg received accolades for their work: Chiara Fleischhacker for Best Debut with her graduation film VENA and Soleen Yusef for Best Children's Film with SIEGER SEIN (WINNERS).
VENA tells the story of a young woman striving to reclaim her autonomy after a troubled past and an unplanned pregnancy. This emotional and powerful narrative highlights the protagonist's difficult fight to overcome all obstacles. Chiara Fleischhacker's sensitive direction impressed the jury, who praised the film as an outstanding debut.
SIEGER SEIN, which premiered at the 2024 Berlin International Film Festival, focuses on the life of 11-year-old Mona, who fled Syria with her family and now lives in Berlin-Wedding. She faces the challenges of life as a migrant while pursuing her passion for soccer, confronting both external barriers and conflicts within her own team.
The German Film Critics' Award has been presented annually by the German Film Critics Association (Verband der deutschen Filmkritik) since 1956. It is the only German film award given exclusively by film critics. This distinction recognizes outstanding artistic achievements in German cinema, focusing solely on artistic merits rather than economic or political considerations.