“Yellow Letters” is set in Ankara and Istanbul, but was filmed in Germany because of its message of political freedom. Director İlker Çatak continues to reap successes. His previous film "The Teacher's Room" was nominated for an Oscar in 2024.
The jury's grand prize also went to a film set in Turkey, "Salvation" by Emin Alper - an international co-production in which Sweden was also involved to a small extent. The dementia drama "Queen at Sea", which was tipped to win, had to settle for the jury's prize and an acting prize.
The now gender-neutral acting award went to German star Sandra Hüller for the 17th-century drama "Rose", in which she plays an enigmatic woman disguised as a male veteran soldier.
Several of the award winners used their acceptance speeches to draw attention to the situation in Palestine. The festival had already been hit by a storm earlier this week when more than 80 current and former participants signed a petition criticizing the silence surrounding Gaza.
This year's jury president, German director Wim Wenders, said at the opening that "filmmaking should remain outside of politics" - something that sparked anger. In an open letter, Javier Bardem and Tilda Swinton, among others, expressed their disappointment at the management's "censorship" of artists who spoke out about the war.
Golden Bear for Best Film: "Yellow Letters" by İlker Çatak.
Silver Bear (Jury Grand Prize): "Salvation" by Emin Alper.
Silver Bear (Jury Prize): "Queen at Sea" by Lance Hammer.
Silver Bear for Best Director: Grant Gee for "Everybody Digs Bill Evans".
Silver Bear for Best Actor/Actress: Sandra Hüller in "Rose".
Silver Bear for Best Supporting Performance: Anna Calder-Marshall and Tom Courtenay in "Queen at Sea".
Silver Bear for Best Screenplay: Geneviève Dulude-de Celles for "Nina Roza".
Golden Bear for Best Short Film: "Someday a Child" by Marie-Rose Osta.
