Sad Girlz (Chicas Tristes), the feature debut of Mexican writer-director Fernanda Tovar, has won the Crystal Bear for best film in the Generation 14plus section of the Berlin International Film Festival.
Sad Girlz took the top prize awarded by both the international Generation jury of film professionals, and the youth jury, made up of teen voters. The Generation section highlights works for youth viewers.
Tovar’s drama follows 16-year-old best friends Paula and La Maestra, both swimmers training to represent Mexico at the Junior Pan American Swimming Championships. At a party, Paula disappears into the bathroom with Daniel, her friend and long-time crush. When she emerges, La Maestra senses that something has changed. The incident will test the limits of their friendship as the two are caught between silence and speaking out.
Alpha Violet is handling world sales for Sad Girlz.
“With metaphorical and poetic underwater imagery and outstanding lead performances, this film affected us deeply with its humor, sadness, and realism,” the international jury wrote in a statement explaining its decision. “Addressing sexual violence and its aftermath, this film deftly explores the complex dynamics between two young women as they reconcile their emotions and friendship. This is an extraordinary, perfectly calibrated debut feature that is loving, loud, and alive.”
Added the youth jury: “This film packs a punch. Calmness, uncertainty, and strength are conveyed in a powerful, sensitive way. The deep friendship and love between the characters is strengthened by support and solidarity. Each frame seems like a story in itself, conveying the overall narrative. The interplay of images, colors and emotions draws us into the story. The film asks questions, is complex and leaves room to find oneself, to tell people’s stories and to overcome problems. We found this particularly impressive and convincing.”
You can check out an exclusive clip of Sad Girlz below.
The international jury gave a special mention to Chilean fantasy drama Matapanki by director Diego “Mapache” Fuentes, which follows a punk kid who gains superpowers from drinking bootleg liquor and tries to reshape society. The jury called it a “vibrant and rebellious film [that] pokes at fascism and defies all limitations through its punk rock energy, playful direction, and gorgeous stop motion animation.”
The youth jury gave a special mention to A Family from director Mees Peijnenburg. The Dutch drama follows a custody battle between two divorcing parents from the perspective of their 14 and 16 year-old children.
“The film managed to make many of us feel seen,” the youth jury said in a statement. “The topic is one that affects one in three children in Berlin. Despite its importance, it is often underestimated because it is not uncommon in society. It is an incredibly well-written story that has also been brought to life in an incredibly captivating way. A masterpiece that deserves a special mention.”
Full list of Generation 14plus winners below.
THE GRAND PRIX OF THE INTERNATIONAL JURY FOR THE BEST FILM IN GENERATION 14PLUS
Chicas Tristes (Sad Girlz), Fernanda Tovar
SPECIAL MENTION GENERATION 14PLUS
Matapanki, Diego “Mapache” Fuentes
THE SPECIAL PRIZE OF THE GENERATION INTERNATIONAL JURY FOR THE BEST SHORT FILM 14PLUS
The Thread, Fenn O’Meally
SPECIAL MENTION GENERATION 14PLUS
Memories of a Window, Mehraneh Salimian and Amin Pakparvar
YOUTH JURY CRYSTAL BEAR FOR THE BEST FILM
Chicas Tristes (Sad Girlz), Fernanda Tovar
SPECIAL MENTION
A Family, Mees Peijnenburg
YOUTH JURY CRYSTAL BEAR FOR THE BEST SHORT FILM
Memories of a Window, Mehraneh Salimian and Amin Pakparvar
SPECIAL MENTION
Allá en el cielo (Nobody Knows the World), Roddy Dextre
