"COLD OF KALANDAR (KALANDAR SOGUGU) is a monumental work which comes along quietly and discreetly, presenting large images and its own unique slowness, and yet, over the course of more than two hours, generates a gentle momentum that left a lasting impression on the jury. COLD OF KALANDAR depicts the fight for survival in a harsh natural world, the austere beauty of which is captured by the direction and camera in spectacular images in all four seasons. It depicts the largely silent struggle of one man whose story becomes increasingly captivating. This is because the director manages something quite special: despite the seemingly sober and distanced narrative style, he creates an unusual proximity to his hero, and elicits sympathy for this stubborn dreamer who is unwilling to give up and whose stoic persistence pays off in the end in an almost mythical final scene. Mustafa Kara's film pays tribute to unwavering perseverance in times of adversity and, as a metaphor, goes far beyond the bounds of his story. Kara shows poetry and hope in a place of poverty and shines a clear, bright light into the darkest corners of misery, without making it kitsch or letting it descend into misery. You will not find a more beautiful cinematic celebration of life in adversity than this film."

"The well-established director Xavier Dolan manages to surprise us once again. With almost exclusively close ups and a courageous use of music, the film manages to create an extreme closeness between the audience and a family that reunites after twelve years, unable to find a common way of communicating. Although the protagonists talk constantly, many aspects of the story stay elliptic. Hopes, affections, abysses and resentments are felt throughout every interaction. All of the above and the brilliant performances of the actors, force the audience to relate without reserve to the characters. IT'S ONLY THE END OF THE WORLD is a rare and intense cinematic experience!"

"The film won us over particularly with its interplay of tension and release. The adventurous drama and the combination of image and sound allowed us to put ourselves in the children's shoes. The acting was so compelling that it touched us on an emotional level. Moments of tension, sadness, happiness and fear were brought to life by the film's storyline. It is also worth noting that the film is based on a true story. We would like to congratulate the film team of FANNY'S JOURNEY for a very moving production."

"TADMOR is not only the best political film of this [festival], it is also one of the most impressive, astute and courageous films that we have seen in the last years. One of the protagonists told the directors that "words cannot describe the brutality that I have lived through", which is why Monika Borgmann, Lokman Slim and the ex-prisoners have found a very special and courageous form to tell their stories. That is why the award for the best political film 2016 awarded by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung goes to TADMOR by Monika Borgmann and Lokman Slim."

"A moving film about a topic that people would rather suppress: illness and death. The film frees itself from this burden and becomes an ode to life and the joy of living. Both the lead actor and the supporting roles delivered exceptional performances under the clear, precise and calculated directions of a brilliant director. He tells a moving story of an ill young man with ease and authenticity, without conceding the feel of the time period. The depiction of the 1930s and the political conflict happening then was handled with sensitivity and without any inclination to lecture. 135 touching minutes that fly by. A German producer who managed to muster up the courage to participate in a project that tells an authentic story taking place in Europe with emotion but without emotionalism."