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Selection of the International Debut Feature Film competition for women directors 2022

Internationales Frauen* Film Festival Dortmund+Köln has this year received a record 150 submissions from 40 countries. Eight debut feature films are competing now for the prize for best director in the International Debut Feature Film Competition. Worth € 10,000 to the winner, the prize celebrates the innovative and experimental spirit of aspiring women film-makers and will be awarded by an international jury. Films from China, Costa Rica, France, Haiti, Romania, Serbia, Spain and the US have been nominated this year.

The films present stories about major life decisions, challenges and friendships. Our filmic journey around the world covers everything from improvised formats and semi-documentary narratives to a screen-busting masterpiece in black and white. We meet protagonists with a strength and resilience who thrill and inspire.

»The tradition of feminist counter-narratives to mainstream cinema appears here with fresh momentum. This strong year has produced a generation of women film-makers who are breaking cinematic ground with new confidence«, says festival director Maxa Zoller.

The international jury has a prominent line-up with author, playwright and director Tsitsi Dangarembga (Peace Prize of the German Book Trade 2021), cinematographer Christine A. Maier (German Camera Award 2021) and director Ula Stöckl.

Debut Feature Film Competition 2022:

Actual People
Director: Kit Zauhar, USA 2021, 84’

Bipolar
Director: Queena Li, China 2020, 110’

Clara Sola
Director: Nathalie Álvarez Mesén, Deutschland, Belgien, Schweden, Costa Rica 2021, 108’

Crai Nou
Director: Alina Grigore, Rumänien 2021, 106’

Destello Bravío
Director: Ainhoa Rodríguez, Spanien 2021, 98’

Freda
Director: Gessica Généus, Frankreich, Haiti, Benin 2021, 99’

Kelti
Director: Milica Tomović, Serbien 2021, 106’

Mi iubita, mon amour
Director: Noémi Merlant, Frankreich 2021, 95’