NO DOGS ALLOWED wins Best First Feature Film Award

NO DOGS ALLOWED wins Best First Feature Film Award

The production NO DOGS ALLOWED, predominantly created by alumni of Filmakademie Baden-Wuerttemberg (FABW), won the Best First Feature Film Award at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival last Sunday (November 24, 2024). The award was presented to director Steve Bache (FABW) and producers Felix Ruple (FABW), Marcos Kantis and Martin Lehwald for their feature film debut. NO DOGS ALLOWED also celebrated its world premiere at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, one of the prestigious global A-category festivals, accredited by the producers' organization FIAPF. It is one of the few festivals that holds this A-category status, alongside events like the International Film Festivals in Berlin, Venice, and Cannes. The renowned festival took place from November 8 to 24 in the Estonian capital, presenting an impressive lineup of films as well as a diverse programme at Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event.

In the "First Feature Film" competition category, NO DOGS ALLOWED was the only German entry and stood out with its bold approach to the topic of pedophilia through online grooming. The feature film triumphed over ten international productions and received the Best First Feature Film Award for outstanding debut work.

The jury particularly praised not only the sensitivity and depth of the film but also the remarkable work of the film team, which consists predominantly of alumni from Filmakademie Baden-Wuerttemberg. The team included, alongside director Steve Bache and producer Felix Ruple, a number of FABW graduates: Stephan Kämpf (screenplay), Manuel Meinhardt (cinematography), Anika Klatt (production design), Maximilian Merth (editing), Holger Enck (gaffer), Andreas Pfeiffer (score), Markus Rebholz (sound recording), Sirius Kestel (mixing and sound design), Ruben Steingrüber (set dressing), Leandra Scheible (on-set props), Nils Schimitzek (construction), Justin Roessler (first assistant director), and Clemens Szczesny (location manager).

Jury Statement: "Steve Bache has made a movie for today (and tomorrow) dealing with one of the most taboo subjects in society: paedophilia via online grooming. But it is made with absolute sensitivity and vulnerability, thanks to the excellent cast and in particular the two lead characters. There are no clichés here and most importantly it is a film for every parent who thinks they know what their children are doing, often online in their own home. But in reality they deny, ignore or rationalise 'this could not happen in my house'. But this makes this movie a must-see."

NO DOGS ALLOWED is a production of Schiwago Film GmbH in co-production with ZDF – Das kleine Fernsehspiel and was funded by, among others, MFG Baden-Wuerttemberg. The film explores the delicate subject of pedosexuality from the perspective of a teenager. Fifteen-year-old Gabo keeps his attraction a secret from his family and friends until he meets Dave online. Dave exploits Gabo’s insecurity, leading to a toxic power dynamic. When the police arrest Dave on suspicion of abuse, Gabo faces a dilemma: should he testify against his mentor and reveal his own secret?

The Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, held this year for the 28th time, is one of the most significant film events in Northern Europe. Featuring over 250 films from 90 countries, along with the Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event, it provides an important platform for international exchange and the promotion of new film projects, drawing thousands of industry professionals and film enthusiasts each year.

*Felix Ruple und Holger Enck are scholarship holders of the foundation Baden-Wuerttemberg Stiftung and have participated in an international partner programme as part of their studies.

Further information:

•    Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival Awards 2024
•    ZDF Mediathek: No Dogs Allowed
•    Trailer auf YouTube