The 75th Berlin International Film Festival has announced the winners in the Generation 14plus section, recognizing films that capture youth experiences through a range of perspectives.
Brendan Canty’s Christy won the Grand Prix of the International Jury for Best Film in the 14plus category. The Irish drama follows a 17-year-old boy navigating the streets of Cork after being removed from his foster home. As he reconnects with his estranged brother, he faces choices that will shape his future.
The jury praised the film’s realism and its use of non-professional actors. “This film bursts with energy and raw emotion, capturing a teenager’s search for belonging with striking realism. The director’s deep bond with the community shines through and makes every frame feel alive and fresh.”
A Special Mention was awarded to Belgian filmmaker Maja-Ajmia Yde Zellama for Têtes Brûlées, which tells the story of a 12-year-old girl in a Tunisian-Muslim family in Brussels struggling with the sudden loss of her older brother. The jury noted the film’s visual approach and storytelling, calling it “a bold yet gentle work” with “visually fresh imagery and heartfelt storytelling.”
The festival’s youth jury selected its own winners. The Crystal Bear for Best Film went to Sunshine, directed by Antoinette Jadaone from the Philippines. The story follows a young gymnast dealing with an unexpected pregnancy, portraying the challenges of a teenager balancing personal ambition and new responsibilities. The jury described it as “an immersive reality that feels authentic and deeply moving.”
Brazilian director Lucia Murat’s Hora do Recreio (Playtime) received a Special Mention from the youth jury. The documentary-fiction hybrid examines education, violence, and racism in Brazilian schools. The jury emphasized its visual strength and its ability to address pressing social issues, stating, “A film whose visuals alone left a profound impact on us.”
