IN DIE SONNE SCHAUEN (SOUND OF FALLING) Wins Sensational Jury Prize at Cannes
The German film IN DIE SONNE SCHAUEN (SOUND OF FALLING), directed by Filmakademie alumna Mascha Schilinski, has been honored with the Jury Prize at the 78th Cannes International Film Festival (shared ex aequo with SIRAT, directed by Spanish filmmaker Oliver Laxe). This marks the first time in the festival’s history that a German female director has received this prestigious award – and for a debut film. In the competition, IN DIE SONNE SCHAUEN triumphed over works by acclaimed directors such as Wes Anderson, Richard Linklater, and Kelly Reichardt.
The screenplay for IN DIE SONNE SCHAUEN was co-written by Mascha Schilinski and Louise Peter during their studies at FABW. Numerous other FABW alumni contributed to the film’s production: Fabian Gamper (Cinematography), Cosima Vellenzer (Production Design), Maike Kiefer (Set Decoration), and Claudio Demel (Sound Design). Additionally, the cast features a leading performance by Lucia Oppermann, a graduate of the neighboring Academy of Performing Arts Baden-Württemberg (ADK). The film, produced by Studio Zentral in co-production with ZDF/Das Kleine Fernsehspiel, will be released in German cinemas on September 11, 2025, by Neue Visionen. The screenplay, initially developed under the working title “The Doctor Says I’ll Be Alright, But I’m Feelin’ Blue,” received the Thomas Strittmatter Prize from MFG Baden-Württemberg in 2023.
IN DIE SONNE SCHAUEN is Mascha Schilinski’s second feature film, following DIE TOCHTER. The drama tells the story of four women from different decades – Alma (1910s), Erika (1940s), Angelika (1980s), and Nelly (2020s) – all living on the same secluded farm in the Altmark region over the course of a century. Their lives are separated by time yet intertwined, reflecting and influencing each other. As they navigate their present realities, they confront buried fears and secrets from the past that shake their worlds. The film intricately weaves memories and experiences into a multilayered narrative about collective histories and the enduring impact of the past.
In an interview with rbb, Mascha Schilinski explained that her film centers on the female perspective – a viewpoint she feels is far too rarely depicted. She shared how she and her co-author Louise Peter deliberately chose to explore themes and experiences often overlooked and how these perspectives shape women’s lives and bodies across a century. In her acceptance speech, Schilinski dedicated the Jury Prize to those living in places where making films is challenging or nearly impossible, emphasizing the importance of supporting young filmmakers, especially women, who persist in their creative visions despite obstacles.
Thanks to a scholarship from the Baden-Württemberg Foundation, Louise Peter* also studied at the prestigious La Fémis film school in Paris. This international experience broadened her horizons and profoundly influenced her both professionally and personally. The success in Cannes underscores the significance of such funding programs in nurturing young talent.
The 78th Cannes International Film Festival, held from May 13 to 24, 2025, is one of the world’s most prominent and prestigious A-list film festivals, shaping the global film industry and showcasing innovative and outstanding works from around the globe.
Louise Peter is a Baden-Württemberg Foundation scholarship recipient and participated in an international partner program during her studies at FABW.
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