Ukraine’s “Screaming Girl” Wins Big at Berlinale Co-Production Market 2024

The Berlinale Co-Production Market, part of the Berlin International Film Festival, held from February 17 to 21, concluded its event by awarding prizes to several promising feature film projects. This year, the market focused on fostering international co-productions and financing opportunities for 34 selected feature film projects.

The Eurimages Co-Production Development Award, with a prize of 20,000 Euros, was presented to the producers of ForeFilms from Ukraine for their project "Screaming Girl," directed by Antonio Lukich. The award aims to support the project's development, with jury members including Emma Scott from Screen Ireland, Oscar Alonso from Latido Films, Spain, and Lithuanian producer Uljana Kim.

The VFF Talent Highlight Award, carrying a prize of 10,000 euros, was awarded to "Silence Sometimes," directed by Álvaro Robles and pitched by producer Mireia Vilanova from Cartuna, USA. Additionally, nominee awards of 1,000 euros each were given to Assel Aushakimova from Kazakhstan and Liselotte Persson from Sweden for their contributions to the Talent Project Market.

"Hajni Kis's "Ich bin Marika," produced by Proton Cinema in Hungary, received the ARTEKino International Award, which includes a 6,000 euros prize, acknowledging the project's artistic excellence.

For the second consecutive year, the World Cinema Fund Audience Strategies Award offered an in-kind prize focusing on audience and communication strategies consultation. This year, it was awarded to the project "Hold Time for Me" by Seera Films from Germany, directed by Fradique.

The Berlinale Co-Production Market also highlighted upcoming books for screen adaptations and new series projects, underlining the importance of narrative innovation and cross-media storytelling. The event facilitated over 1,500 individual meetings, aimed at developing future co-productions and financing opportunities.

Additionally, the market celebrated the completion of over 370 films and 22 series that have previously sought partners at the Berlinale Co-Production Market. Notably, five outstanding films from past markets are featured in this year's Berlinale program, including titles across various sections such as "My Favourite Cake" in Competition and "Arcadia" in Encounters.

The Berlinale Co-Production Market is supported by several key partners, including MDM – Mitteldeutsche Medienförderung and the European Union’s Creative Europe – MEDIA programme, highlighting its significance in promoting international film collaboration and development.