Festival of German Film names ‘Rose’ best film

A woman disguises herself as a soldier during the Thirty Years’ War in ‘Rose,’ the historical drama that won the top prize at the Festival of German Film in Ludwigshafen. Markus Schleinzer directed the black-and-white film, with Sandra Hüller in the lead role.

Hüller had already won the Silver Bear for best acting at the Berlinale in February for her performance. The Ludwigshafen jury praised ‘Rose’ as formally perfect and driven by an outstanding performance. It said the film compellingly depicts a woman’s struggle with social expectations beyond immediate contemporary issues.

Ildikó Enyedi received the award for best director for ‘Silent Friend.’ The jury said Enyedi created less a conventional story than a state of perception. The film centers on a majestic ginkgo tree and unfolds across almost a century, using imagery that takes viewers quietly and sensitively into a slowed-down, enchanted world.

The best screenplay award went to Moritz Netenjakob and Dietmar Jacobs for ‘Extrawurst.’ The jury highlighted its sharp dialogue, biting jokes and engagement with current arguments in society. The film follows a tennis club debating the purchase of a new grill, a discussion that expands into questions including integration and toxic masculinity. Hape Kerkeling, Christoph Maria Herbst and Milan Peschel are among its cast.

The festival, held on an island in the Rhine near the Baden-Württemberg border, ends Sunday. It is considered an idea market and an important industry gathering, as well as Germany’s most attended film festival after the Berlinale. This year it presented 74 productions, including films for children. Annette Frier, Christian Berkel and Christian Redl had already received individual acting awards, while director Volker Schlöndorff received an honorary prize.