Prize of the Children Jury (EUR 1,000), sponsored by Neue Ruhr Zeitung

Members of the Jury:
Jonas Held (10), Larissa Janssen (10), Sybel Krämer (9), Alexander Michalopoulos (10), Niklas Schubert (10)


Adriaan: Een Kist voor Stippie
(Adriaan: A Coffin for Stippie)
Mischa Kamp
Netherlands 2007, 9 min, Beta SP, colour


Statement:
Stippie, Adriaan’s dog, has died and is buried. Many of us have been through such a situation and the film reflects the feelings realistically and comprehensibly, especially via the music. We can easily identify with Adriaan. We were particularly attracted by the wonderful actors and the music. The film is the right mixture of sad and funny.

Special Mention of the Children Jury

The Problem with Pets
Catriona Craig
Great Britain 2008, 13 min, DV, colour

Statement:
The film is told in a special way. The actors look crazy and the costumes and the music make the film seem funny, even though the topic is actually very serious.

Prize of the Youth Jury (EUR 1,000)

Members of the Jury:
Tobias Aarns (16), Marvin Dahlem (16), Katherina Pasaliari (16), Gerrit Plucinski (16), Fritz Schippers (16)


Ralph
Alex Winckler
Great Britain 2008, 12.5 min, Beta SP, colour

Statement:
The artful play with different languages, uncomplicated characters and a flowing plot captivated us and did not get boring. Ralph tries to find his beloved in a foreign country whose language he does not speak. With a surprising turn of events, which gives a beautiful example of love, this short film touches its audience and we remember it for a long time afterwards.

Special Mention of the Youth Jury

Varde
(Cairn)
Hanne Larsen
Norway 2008, 15.5 min, 35 mm, colour

Statement:
The special mention of this year’s Childrens’ and Youth Film Competition goes to a film which is convincing by its outstanding, authentic and believable actors, by its criticism of peer pressure and its exciting style. All this is what we like in short films.