Hysteria, directed by German filmmaker Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay, has been named Best European Film in the Panorama section at the Berlin International Film Festival. The film received the Europa Cinemas Label, granting it additional promotional support and incentives for theaters to feature it in their programming.
The jury described Hysteria as a tightly constructed conspiracy thriller with unexpected developments leading to a tense final sequence. They noted its ability to spark discussion on pressing social issues while keeping audiences engaged.
The jury panel consisted of Klaudia Elsässer (Art+ Cinema, Budapest, Hungary), David Kelly (Light House Cinema, Dublin, Ireland), Constanze Oedl (Stadtkino im Künstlerhaus, Vienna, Austria), and Cenk Sezgin (Cinemarine Cinemas, Bodrum, Turkey).
Thriller with Political Undertones
Written and directed by Büyükatalay, Hysteria follows a story that explores paranoia and manipulation in contemporary society. The film is a production of Filmfaust, with Pluto Films handling international sales.
The cast features Devrim Lingnau, Mehdi Meskar, Serkan Kaya, Nicolette Krebitz, and Aziz Çapkurt. The film’s cinematography is by Christian Kochmann, editing by Denys Darahan and Andreas Menn, and music by Marvin Miller. Production design was led by Mayte Hellenthal, while casting was done by Kerstin Neuwirth.
The jury released a statement emphasizing how Hysteria balances entertainment with thought-provoking themes. They noted that the film’s subject matter encourages conversation about divisions and underlying conflicts in modern society.
Awards Across Categories
In addition to Hysteria’s recognition, several films received top honors in their respective categories.
- Crystal Bear for Best Film – Sunshine by Antoinette Jadaone
- Special Mention – Hora do Recreio (Playtime) by Lucia Murat
- Crystal Bear for Best Short Film – Wish You Were Ear by Mirjana Balogh
- Special Mention – Atardecer en América (Sunset Over America) by Matías Rojas Valencia
The Generation 14plus section, which highlights films created for teenage audiences, awarded its Grand Prix to Christy, directed by Brendan Canty.
Other awards in the same category included:
- Special Mention – Têtes Brûlées by Maja-Ajmia Yde Zellama
- Best Short Film – Ne réveillez pas l’enfant qui dort (Don’t Wake the Sleeping Child) by Kevin Aubert
- Special Mention – Beneath Which Rivers Flow by Ali Yahya
Recognition for a Diverse Selection of Films
Filmmakers from different backgrounds were highlighted across multiple categories, reflecting a variety of artistic approaches and storytelling styles. The festival continues to bring together works that spark discussion and engage audiences on different levels.