In this category, the short or full-length feature films tell the stories that are important to up-and-coming filmmakers from all around the world. The films draw their inspiration from current trends in filmmaking being either poignantly funny or epic in scope. In this section the prizes for Best Feature Film and Best Short Film Fiction are awarded.
This section shows films that give you insight into other worlds, reviving the classic genres such as sci-fi, western, horror, thriller and fantasy. There is no limit to your creativity. Reach outside the limits of genre convention and breathe fresh air into them by thinking differently. Sehsüchte offers rich genre cinema for hungry popcorn-lovers. In this section the prize for Best Genre Film is awarded.
In this category you can find films that feature a single snapshot in time, films presenting personal portraits, or films revealing a shocking investigation. Both the short and full-length films explore current issues and touching twists of fate in their larger contexts. In this section the prizes for Best Long Documentary Film and Best Short Documentary Film is awarded.
Amidst the decline of music television, the popularity of music videos attest their ongoing relevance. An entire night is dedicated to this format and its international up-and-coming talents in which the cinema will (almost!) turn into a party. Anyone looking for pixelated internet videos will do so in vain on our large silver screens. In this section the prize for Best Music Video will be awarded.
Sehsüchte offers young film producers a large stage within the special section Spotlight Production. Here Sehsüchte sets a clear sign, since only few festivals in the world have a section for film production. In Spotlight Production you can take a look behind the scenes of film production. The achievements of students from German universities within the area of film and television production will literally be in the spotlight in this section. An outstanding film needs extraordinary production.
In this program section films will be shown that, next to their viewing worth, impress with excellent organization and impressive financing. Next to the filmed end product, several production documents that offer a deep insight into the film production are the basis for the decision about who can shine on the Sehsüchte canvas. To honor the essential and challenging creative work of the producers, this section awards the prize Best Production.
This section of Sehsüchte features films for children from the age of six onwards and for young adults from the ages twelve and up. We present exciting, entertaining and unconventional short and feature film productions from different genres. Not only this particular target group, but people of all ages are cordially invited to join. However, the award winners will solely be selected by young judge. In this section the prize for Best Children Film and Best Youth Film will be awarded.
Not as a pre-stage of the future film, but as its own piece of art – this category is all about innovative ideas brought to life by outstanding writing and narrative skills. Innovative stories that are brought to form through precise narrative craft have the chance to win award Best Screenplay. The nominated screenplays will be read out loud by professional dubbing actors at a scenic reading called Kopfkino.
An idea is the beginning of every screenplay. The Pitch Contest represents this unique, not yet realized material. Whether it is a feature film or documentary, tv series or show; this section is not only about expressing imagination by creating an original exposé, but also about convincing an audience and judges live at a pitch on the Schreibsüchte day to receive the award for Best Pitch.
The section Retrospective has been a part of the festival since 2016, and is developed out of a cooperation with the master program “Film Cultural Heritage”. The program’s material is mostly provided by the university’s very own large film archive, displaying the film university’s production history since the 1950ies up to today.
Not only does the program shed a light onto older films from the archive, but also presents their meaning and aesthetic experience in the program’s bigger context.
The Retrospective also reflects the festival’s motto METAMORPHOSIS: from the human biography as a permanent process of change and development, up to social, political and ideological upheavals in society.
But the festival’s motto is not only represented in the cultural heritage in film on the content level: conventions of cinematic narrative, as well as material and production manners are changing constantly.
In 2019, Sehsüchte explores the possibilities of visual storytelling with the new section 360° Film. The audience experiences a new cinematic environment that is not limited to the big screen. Immersive storytelling creates potential for new stories and poses challenges for filmmakers, which makes it particularly interesting for newcomers to the film industry. For the first time in 2019, we will award the Best 360° Film.
