Dreams (Sex Love), a heartfelt coming-of-age drama by Norwegian director Dag Johan Haugerud, won the prestigious Golden Bear at the 75th Berlin Film Festival. The film, starring Ella Overbye, explores a young woman’s first crush on a teacher and delves into the art of writing. This marks the final installment of Haugerud’s three-part series focused on emotional and physical intimacy. Jury president and U.S. filmmaker Todd Haynes praised the film for its “flawless performances” and insightful depiction of desire and creativity, stating that the film “cuts you to the quick with its keen intelligence and its sudden, astonishing moments of revelation.” Haugerud, who is also an accomplished novelist, expressed that winning the top honor was beyond anything he had imagined and encouraged the audience to embrace reading and writing more deeply.
The festival featured 19 films in competition this year. The Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize went to Brazilian director Gabriel Mascaro for The Blue Trail, a dystopian drama set in the Amazon that follows an elderly woman who rejects life in a senior housing colony. Chinese director Huo Meng received the Best Director award for Living the Land, a moving portrayal of four generations of farmers. The Jury Prize was awarded to The Message by Argentine filmmaker Iván Fund, who dedicated the recognition to the resilience of Argentine cinema amid political and cultural challenges. Fund emphasized the importance of the award as a symbol of resistance against the current dismantling of cultural institutions in his country.
Australian actress Rose Byrne won the Best Actor award for her performance in If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You, a tense reflection on motherhood. Irish actor Andrew Scott was honored with Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of composer Richard Rodgers in Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon. Scott, unable to attend the ceremony in person, expressed his gratitude through a video message. Romanian director Radu Jude, a previous Golden Bear winner in 2021, took home the Best Screenplay award for Kontinental ’25, which examines themes of guilt and systemic inequality.
The festival’s closing ceremony, held on the eve of Germany’s national elections, remained relatively apolitical compared to previous years. However, Jude made a pointed remark about the upcoming elections, referencing concerns over the growing support for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which is projected to secure second place in the parliamentary vote.
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