Prize of the Ecumenical Jury (EUR 1,500)

Me First

director: William Owusu

Kenya 2005

Statement:

A man sensitively reflects his broken relationship, emphatically overcomes his self-doubt and at last goes his own way. It is the translation of his emotional condition into a visual language which is impressive in this film. Not the least of its quality lies in the fact that the film offers us an unfamiliar picture of Africa

The Ecumenical Jury 2006:

Trudie Joras (Germany), Michael Müller (Germany), Christian Murer (Switzerland), Raymond Olsen (Denmark), Eberhard Streier (Germany)

Special Mention of the Ecumenical Jury

Civil Status

director: Alina Rudnitskaya

Russia 2005

Statement:

In a civil registry office, the filmmaker captures human reactions to milestones in life like marriage, divorce, birth, or death. The gestures and facial expressions of the participants break through the bureaucratic framework and the documentary character of this film. Emotions will not be subjugated by the administrative machinery.

Special Mention of the Ecumenical Jury

A Moment of Love

director: James Lee

Malaysia 2005

Statement:

"A Moment of Love" is a film about a dying relationship which leaves the audience a lot of space to empathise with the protagonist. Its expressive images and sparse dialogue capture the audience without suggesting a final solution.