The Golden Bear at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival goes to YELLOW LETTERS by İlker Çatak. The drama, produced by if...productions, won the main prize in the competition. After the social drama THE TEACHER’S LOUNGE was shown in the Panorama section in 2023, director İlker Çatak returned to the Berlinale with his new film. YELLOW LETTERS is about Derya and Aziz, a celebrated artist couple from Ankara. They lead a fulfilling life with their 13-year-old daughter Ezgi – until an incident at the premiere of their new play changes everything. Overnight, they become the target of the state and lose their jobs and their apartment. They move to Istanbul. Gradually, the distance between the two adults and their daughter grows until they have to choose between their values and their future together as a family.

The president of the jury, Wim Wenders, explained the decision as follows:
"The film shows us a family like we haven't seen anywhere else in these ten days, in the pressure cooker of politics. We all got goose bumps. The film is a frightening prediction of the near future, as it may also unfold in our countries. The signs of despotism are becoming clear. This film will be understood worldwide. It is an outstanding contemporary film, flawless in its dialogue and performance, flawless in the way it was shot and edited. We want to reward not only the good intentions, but also the masterful language of the compassionate filmmaker: İlker Çatak."

Congratulations to the entire YELLOW LETTERS team, including director İlker Çatak and producer Ingo Fliess.

An equally important award went to Sandra Hüller. The German actress was named Best Actress for her leading role in ROSE by Markus Schleinzer. In this historical drama, she plays a woman who pretends to be a man for many years in the 17th century because “life in trousers promises freedom.” Her performance was praised for lending depth and great humanity to this complex character.

Even before the gala ceremony in the evening, it was announced that PROSECUTION by Faraz Shariat would receive an award: the 28th Audience Award in the Panorama category for Best Feature Film goes to PROSECUTION. The drama revolves around prosecutor Seyo Kim, who takes her own case to court after a racist attack on her life and takes on a system that downplays right-wing extremism.

TRIAL OF HEIN by director Kai received the Teddy Award from the jury. The film tells the story of a man who returns to his village after 14 years and is not recognized by the community as a stranger.

A complete list of all awards will be available soon on the website.

German Films congratulates all the winners of the 76th Berlinale.