FABW films earn awards for outstanding emerging projects
Curtain up for students and alumni of Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg: At the 47th Max Ophüls Prize Film Festival in Saarbrücken, several projects involving FABW participants impressed both the jury and the audience. The award ceremony at E Werk Saarbrücken marked the grand finale of an intense festival week full of film, discussion, and encounters. In total, 18 prizes with a combined value of €123,500 were awarded.
MAX OPHÜLS PRIZE: TREATMENT DEVELOPMENT
Maja Bresink (FABW student directing/fiction film) – ICH WILL ETWAS, DAS NUR MIR GEHÖRT
Maja Bresink received the €10,000 Development Award for the treatment for her diploma film. The jury praised her concept for its emotional urgency and bold exploration of the protagonist’s inner conflicts:
“This idea won us over with its intense emotional urgency. A story unafraid of conflict, it illuminates the darkest feelings and depths of the main character – while still offering moments of comfort. A dramatically challenging project that requires a delicate balance. We trust the author to succeed and very much look forward to collaborating with her.”
In addition to development funding, the award also includes a contract with ZDF - Das Kleine Fernsehspiel.
Two awards for WOVON SOLLEN WIR TRÄUMEN
FABW alumni Milena Aboyan and Constantin Hatz
The feature film WOVON SOLLEN WIR TRÄUMEN received two awards, marking it as one of the standout works of this year’s festival.
MAX OPHÜLS PRIZE: ECUMENICAL JURY AWARD
The Ecumenical Jury recognised the film with €2,500 for its humanistic approach and sensitive exploration of vulnerability, the transmission of experience, and empathy:
“What do we carry within us? What do we pass on? Our stories, our wounds, our humanity? The film demonstrates, in a careful narrative flow, how everything is connected. Empathy and closeness are possible, yet challenging. Through clear imagery, the film invites viewers to look closely at experiences of violence, exclusion, and internal and external struggles. In the end, it leaves a quiet hope that healing is possible when someone has the courage to break free from fate.”
MAX OPHÜLS PRIZE: AUDIENCE AWARD – FEATURE FILM
In addition, the film won the Audience Award (€5,000). The dual recognition by both jury and audience highlights the film’s emotional impact and social relevance.
The Max Ophüls Prize: A springboard for emerging filmmakers
Since its founding in 1980, the Max Ophüls Prize has become one of the most important platforms for young filmmakers in the German-speaking world. Each year, around 150 films are showcased, providing an established venue to present emerging projects to both a broad audience and industry professionals. For young filmmakers, an award at the Max Ophüls Prize represents an important milestone on the path to a successful career. In 2026, the festival featured 57 films across four competition categories, including 38 world premieres. The full programme comprised 146 entries and fostered discussions on socially relevant themes and innovative cinematic approaches.
The festival’s streaming programme remains available until Sunday, 1 February 2026, 23:59 CET on the official website.