Two Swiss films win a First Steps Award in Berlin

Two Swiss productions from the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) – both of which were produced by Stefan Eichenberger – were honoured with the First Steps Award in Berlin on September 16, 2013. This year marks the 14^th time the award has been presented. The First Steps Award is the highest distinction in Germany for films by talented newcomers. It is presented to the best graduation films from German, Austrian and Swiss films schools.

Award for Anna Thommen and Gabriela Betschart
The First Steps Award for Best Documentary Film, endowed with EUR 12,000, was presented to director Anna Thommen and cinematographer Gabriela Betschart for “Neuland”: “The award goes to both the director and cinematographer who, with a great deal of sensitivity and respect, have created a film with tremendous visual and emotional force,” explained the jury. “Neuland” will be screened at the Zurich Film Festival in the near future.

Gripping, universal narrative
The short fiction film “Parvaneh” was honoured with the First Steps Award for Best Short Film Under 25 Minutes. The jury was convinced by the film’s “gripping, universal narrative. The fate of migrants is reflected in the face of the young actress Nissa Kashani: alone and helpless as a stranger in an unfamiliar world, experienced a million times over.” Film director Talkhon Hamzavi accepted the award, endowed with EUR 10,000, in Berlin personally. Last June, “Parvaneh” won the Student Oscar in Los Angeles (Silver Medal – Foreign Category).

Geneva, September 17, 2013