JURYS

Klara Lange is an actress from Hamburg. Known from DIE DISCOUNTER, she is an ambassador for the Rollenfang agency, promoting inclusion.

Nhung Hong has always been passionate about acting. Since appearing in the tv series DRUCK in 2022 she has been steadily expanding her repertoire.

Michael Schweisser is an actor, live-podcaster, and stage-performer. He has appeared in various German television productions.

Leif Alexis has worked with UFA Fiction on Projects like the transmedia series DINA FOXX. His current focus is on Arthouse Production.

Uli Decker, a filmmaker, has directed award-winning documentaries such as “ANIMA” (2022) and is currently working on a film about feminist resistance around the world

The fiction film jury awards the ‘Best Feature Film’ and ‘Outstanding Artistic Achievement in a Feature Film’ prizes.

Award for ‘Best Feature Film’ is donated by:

Award for ‘Outstanding artistic achievement in a feature film’ is donated by:

Docu|mentary film

Laura Espinel is a filmmaker and editor. She teaches film editing and has been a member of the European Film Academy since 2025.

Alexandra Dorisca has over 20 years of experience in event production and film programming – from indie short film nights to high-end premieres and galas.

As a writer, director and producer of documentary films, Maria Binder explores issues relating to human rights, gender and racism.

Anna Theil is an editor and documentary filmmaker from Berlin. Her directorial debut, STUMM premiered at the DOK Leipzig documentary film festival in 2020.

Siska is a multidisciplinary artist, curator, and educator from Beirut. He leads the AR project ALTERNATIVE MONUMENT on migration.

The documentary film jury awards the prizes for ‘Best Documentary’ and ‘Outstanding Artistic Achievement in a Documentary’.

‘Best Documentary Film’ is donated by

‘Outstanding artistic achievement in a documentary film’ is donated by

Animation

Joe Taylor’s visual world is surreal, funny and sometimes disturbing. He has worked with international clients on animation and Joe Taylor’s visual world is surreal, funny and sometimes disturbing. He has worked with international clients on animation and illustration projects.

Lena Ziyal is a partner at PLANET NEUN, where she transforms social, political, and cultural questions into compelling visual narratives.

Nge’ndo Mukii is an award-winning director. Her mixed-media and inter-genre approach to filmmaking makes her a preeminent voice in animation.

Ricard Ubach is a 2D animator with an impressive track record, including LOVE DEATH & ROBOTS, SCAVENGERS REIGN, the upcoming AVATAR film and more.

Baran Sedighian is a producer and animation filmmaker with a deep passion for stories. She is committed to helping artists bring their visions to life.

The Jury for Engaged Films awards the ‘Best Animated Film’ prize.

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Focus Impact

Joana Georgi is a freelance videographer, journalist, and director of, among other works, the documentary NEVER ALONE, ALWAYS TOGETHER (2024).

Lisa Nawrocki works as a production assistant and is the impact producer of THE FAMILY APPROACH (2024). Her focus: social impact producing in Germany.

Naisula Leparyio is an impact producer and development expert specializing in indigenous knowledge and gender, educational, and climate justice.

Lensi Schmidt is a feminist sociologist, author, podcaster, and co-founder of the media collective Studio Rot.

Jürgen Brüning is a director, producer, and festival programmer as well as a member of the Cinema of Disobedience collective. His focus: queer cinema.

The Jury of the Focus Impact section awards the ‘Best Engaged Film’ prize.

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Virtual Reality

Mohsen Hazrati is a Berlin/UAE-based artist exploring AI, memory and belief through immersive VR and AR installations. He’s won the VR ART PRIZE 2023.

Pola Weiß, XR storytelling expert, strengthens innovative XR media at Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg. She was formerly a journalist and editor.

The jury of the Virtual Reality section awards the ‘Best VR Project’ prize.

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Script

Susanne Bieger is co-festival director of Around the World in 14 Films and also works as a curator and story consultant.

Vic So Hee Alz is a writer and script consultant, and served as head writer of season 2 of PARA – WE ARE KING (HBO Max). She is currently working on her debut film.

Jorgo Narjes is a German-Greek film producer who produced ZEIT VERBRECHEN for X-Filme and, most recently, PROSECUTION for Jünglinge Film.

Laurie Tessa Andraschko has been part of DCM’s acquisitions team since 2021, she became Acquisitions Manager in 2025. Currently she is writing her first screenplay.

The Script Jury of the Schreibsüchte section awards the ‘Best Script’ prize.

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Future Kids

Helge’s favorite movie is THE GOLD RUSH. He likes to make music. Fun fact: Watched CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE Helge’s favorite movie is THE GOLD RUSH. He likes to make music. Fun fact: Watched CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY five times in one year.

Paula’s favorite character is Hermione Granger. Her hobbies are swimming, acrobatics and drawing. Fun fact: Can guess Taylor Swift songs in one second.

Ava’s favorite movie is DAS DOPPELTE LOTTCHEN. She likes to draw and meet her friends. Fun fact: Inherited seven Sehsüchte shirts from her grandma.

Paula’s favorite character is Sheldon Oberon from JUMANJI. She likes arts and crafts and dancing. Fun fact: Has a workbench with a rotating vise.

Hady’s favorite film is A WORLD BEYOND. His hobbies are karate, playing the piano and he likes to read a lot. Fun fact: He is a great listener.

The Kids Jury of the Future section awards the ‘Best Kids Film’ prize.

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Future Teens

Milla’s favorite character is Leon from DIE WILDEN KERLE. She likes playing soccer, dancing and playing the piano. Fun fact: Can do a belly roll.

Yella’s favorite movies are TWILIGHT and THE GREATEST SHOWMAN. She likes singing and reading. Fun fact: Has been dancing hip-hop for seven years.

Serafina’s favorite character is Ron Weasley. She likes to read, watch a lot of movies and do yoga. Fun fact: Her laugh sounds like a seagull.

Annika’s favorite character is Hermione Granger. In her time off she reads, watches movies and draws. Fun fact: Can sing Happy Birthday in Swedish.

Magnus likes GOOD WILL HUNTING and SOUL. His hobbies are acting, watching movies and playing soccer. Fun fact: Is really clumsy.

The Teens Jury of the Future section awards the ‘Best Teens Film’ prize.

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Music Video

Inez Körnich is a writer and director from Berlin, based in Paris. She worked in advertising and film and directed a music video for Fuffifuffzich.

Jakob Lemme studied at Ireland’s NFS. Now he is working as an editor at OkayStudio, shaping the visual style of artists like Souly and Apsilon.

Jörg A. Hoppe is a TV producer, manager, music publisher, and journalist. He founded VIVA and Me, Myself & EYE, producing MTV and VH-1.

Rike van Kleef is an author, cultural journalist and co-founder of the initiative fæmm. Her work explores power, gender and pop culture.

The Script Jury of the Music Video section awards the ‘Music Video’ prize.

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