Statement of the Jury (Yoliswa von Dallwitz, Antonia Kilian, Agnesh Pakozdi):

Jana Bauch’s film reveals her exceptional talent as a director and cinematographer. was brennt documents the occupation and forced removal of the occupants of Lützerath, a hamlet adjoining the Garzweiler II open-cast lignite mine, an event that has become synonymous with German climate policy.

Bauch’s film sees her right at the heart of the movement, and she consciously projects her protest into the public eye and onto the cinema screen using film footage. She has the ability to establish a deep trust with the protagonists and is always in the right place at the right time. Her subtle instinct for image composition and editing rhythm attest to her extraordinary ability as a film-maker. Summer or winter, day-to-day life at the camp, demonstrations or police evacuations – Jana Bauch is always present.

She impressively creates an effective contrast between stillness and fixed, still images and the dynamic sequences and vibrant hand-held camera footage. The image of the excavator digging away at night with police officers standing silhouetted in front is etched in the memory, as does the slow climb of an activist up to where she is sleeping, or the impressive hand-held camera footage of demonstrators proceeding to the edge of the demolition site.

Jana Bauch creates moments in her film that are not only visually impressive, but that also evoke strong emotions.

Guest: Jana Bauch