School Cinema – The 2026 Youth Jury Award Winners

Selected by class 9c of the Juri Gagarin Secondary School Fürstenwalde (Youth Jury 2026)

Ahmet falls in love with a girl who is promised to another. In doing so, he comes into conflict with the rules of his Islamic-influenced village environment. Because music means freedom to him, he wants to become a DJ. Through this, he can escape his father's expectations and dedicate himself to his first love. – Nele Baer, Youth Jury

 A film about love between tradition and modernity. – Youth Jury

Everyone should know that nothing is impossible. – Fiona Templin, Youth Jury

I know life in the village, in our village in Turkey it is just the same. – Youth Jury

In his first feature film, Georgi M. Unkovski humorously tells the story of a generational conflict in the digital age. In doing so, the colorful cinematography uniquely highlights the landscape and costumes of the Turkish minority in North Macedonia. With its warm humanity and stimulating imagination, Unkovski's debut film won multiple audience awards at international film festivals.

Awards

Sundance 2025 – Audience Award & Special Jury Prize for Creative Vision

Fribourg International Film Festival 2026 – Audience Award

Cannes Écrans Juniors 2025 – Grand Prix

 Afterward, members of the 2026 FILM OHNE GRENZEN Youth Jury and the Film and Media Club at the Friedericianum Rudolstadt will discuss this year’s festival theme, WIRKLICH, with Christian Schröder, mayor of Bad Saarow.