Children's media festival "Goldener Spatz" opens in Gera

With thousands of visitors, the "Goldener Spatz" is one of the most important platforms for children's media in the German-speaking world. (Archive photo) / Photo: Martin Schutt/dpa

The children's media festival "Goldener Spatz" has kicked off with a German premiere in Gera. The Swiss family film "Plitsch Platsch Forever!" by director Natascha Beller opened the marathon with around 100 events in the days leading up to June 13. Films and series as well as various digital offerings, including apps and games, will be on offer, according to the Children's Media Foundation. One of the first viewers was Thuringia's Minister President Mario Voigt (CDU).

Record number of entries for the competition

With thousands of visitors, including around 500 industry representatives and guests from politics, business and culture, the "Goldener Spatz" is one of the most important platforms for children's media in the German-speaking world, according to the foundation. The festival originated in the GDR and is now in its 34th edition.

It focuses on "stories that empower children, give them orientation and make their perspectives visible", according to the foundation. This year, more applications were received than ever before - more than 250 in total.

The focus is on growing up, friendship, courage, participation and the question of how children can understand, question and actively shape their world. "Children need stories that take them seriously - in their questions, feelings and their view of the world," explained festival director Elisabeth Wenk.

Children decide on the award winners

The festival will initially be held in Gera until Tuesday (June 9). It will then continue in Erfurt until Saturday, where an industry meeting for German-language children's media is also on the program. The program also includes screenings for kindergartens, school classes, groups and families.

This year's competition features 37 films and series in six categories - including short films and documentary formats. The main prizes will be awarded by a children's jury: 28 children aged 9 to 13 from German-speaking countries will view the entries - and decide who will receive the Golden Sparrows on Friday (June 12).