The German-Turkish episode drama, which sends its protagonists on a search for meaning through Germany and Turkey, was crowned best film, with additional prizes for direction, editing and script.
Akin, 34, now firmly one of the most celebrated young filmmakers in Germany, burst onto the scene with his film Gegen die Wand, titled “Head On” for English-speaking audiences, which won the German Film Prize in 2004 for its controversial take on themes of cultural differences in Germany.
His latest film is still full of conflict, critics say, but examines contradictions and problems in a quieter tone. It took the script prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
He said, “We do not make films for prizes, but for life.”
Doris Dörrie, whose film Kirschblüten – Hanami, or “Cherry blossoms – Hanami,” was widely tipped to win, took a silver Lola, while Nina Hoss, who won a prize at last year’s Berlinale film festival, was awarded best actress for her role in Yella, and Elmar Wepper won the best actor prize for his work in Kirschblüten – Hanami.
The Berlin film Prinzessinnenbad, or “Pool of Princesses,” which charts the lives of three teenage girls in the city’s Kreuzberg district, won best documentary.
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