Mannheim-Heidelberg 2026: The Awards

The International Film Festival of Mannheim-Heidelberg distributed the following awards at the close of its 2026 edition.

International Jury

International Newcomer Award – Best Director (30,000 euros)
First Light
directed by James J. Robinson
(Australia, Philippines)

Rainer Werner Fassbinder Award – Best Screenplay (15,000 euros)
The Guest
written and directed by Mads Mengel
Co-author Christian Bengtson
(Denmark)

Young Actors Award – Best Acting Performance (10,000 euros)
Pinea Matoshi
for Dua
directed by Blerta Basholli
(Kosovo, Switzerland, France)

Young Jury

Student Award (5,000 euros)
A Day in the Life of Jo: Chapter Phaedra
directed by Jacqueline Lentzou
(Greece, Germany, France)

Ecumenical Award (2,500 euros)
The Riverbank
directed by Enock Carvalho and Matheus Farias
(Brazil, Germany)

FIPRESCI Award
The Guest
directed by Mads Mengel
(Denmark)

Audience Award (5,000 euros)
Body of Glass
directed by Naëmi Ada
(Germany, France)