Awards

For directing and writing.

For its personal story wrapped inside a collective portrait, functioning as a perceptive psychological and social analysis of interpersonal relations between German workmen and Bulgarian rural folk. The film prompts the viewer to consider our place in Europe.

"We were impressed by the masterful direction and the handling of the film's multiple themes. Borders, European identities, and interpersonal stories are all masterfully explored. We congratulate the director on this film, which has truly impressed us."

Because of the justness of its documentary-like style in observing bittersweet teenage love.

For putting life on the screen.

(Filmakademie Wien/Hochschule für Film und Fernsehen "Konrad Wolf" Potsdam-Babelsberg). Tied with Über Wasser (2001).

Unanimously. "We find it tender, strong and very elegant. It has many layers and it deals with History in a cinematic way which allows it to reach into a very special spectrum of relationships like few other films do."