Saxon Film Award goes to animated film "Gaïa"

This year's Saxon Film Prize goes to the German-French director Gwenola Heck. The filmmaker, who works in Germany, receives the award with the highest prize money of 20,000 euros at Filmfest Dresden for her animated film "Gaïa", the festival organizers announced. "The winning film draws a parallel between violence against nature and against the human body," said the jury of the National Competition, explaining their decision.

A total of 17 prizes with a total value of 72,500 euros were awarded at the 38th Filmfest Dresden. Eight juries and the audience chose their favorites from 65 short films in the national, Central German and international competition, as announced by the festival.

Lipzig filmmaker wins Central German competition

In the national competition, "Bleifrei 95" by Emma Hütt and Tina Muffler won the "Golden Rider" for the best short film. "This film takes us on an energetic and powerful tour de force through the lives of three women on an intoxicating night," said the jury about the work of the two filmmakers from Germany and Austria. "Procrastination Yoga" by Paulina Martyna Ziolkowska, which celebrated its world premiere in Dresden, was awarded Best Animated Film in the National Competition.

In the Central German Competition, "Unnoticed Deceased" by Leipzig filmmaker Alina Cyranek was honored with the "Golden Horseman". The film observes the end of a life through things left behind, such as furniture, papers and dust, and unfolds its effect through a restrained, wordless narrative style, the jury said.

In the International Competition, "Water Sports" by Whammy Alcazaren (Philippines) received the "Golden Horseman" for the best short film. The animation prize went to "Paradaïz" by Matea Radic (Canada).

The Dresden Film Festival celebrated its 38th edition this year. All the winning films can be seen again on the last day of the festival, Sunday, at the Schauburg Filmtheater, the Programmkino Ost, the Kino im Kasten and the Zentralkino.