| Diagonale Youth Jury Award 2026 |

| FOR BEST YOUNG TALENT FILM |

Sebastian Kubelka
64 km von daheim

Jury Statement:
The filmmaker of our winning film accompanies his 96-year-old grandmother on a journey into her past. The film convinced us as a youth jury precisely because it turns its gaze toward an older person, a witness to the Second World War. The young director asks hardly any questions; instead, he simply films this wonderful protagonist as she confronts the city of her youth. For us, the decision to let such a fascinating person simply react and tell her story is as important as it is deeply moving.

The film allows us to come very close, to observe quietly, and gives the protagonist and her story the space they need. We were also especially impressed by the vivid colors and contrasts, as well as by the highly coherent composition. Through well-placed close-ups, the camera captures both the emotions and the beauty of the protagonist’s skin, marked by age. All of this is underscored by atmospheric soundscapes and sharp cuts on the level of sound, where bustling activity is interrupted by calming silence. We believe that coming to terms with the past is essential for us and for our future — and that perhaps we should lend an open ear to the generations before us from time to time.

Youth Jury:
Alexandra Borkenstein
Sofia Breitfuß
Philipp Klever
Luca Mair
Nitya Schafarik

The youth jury will be selected during a film seminar by Heidelinde Neuburger and Steve Csacsinovits. Initiated and organised by the Verein Kulturvermittlung Steiermark – Kunstpädagogisches Institut Graz. (Idea: Max Aufischer, management until 6/2018, organisation: Luise Grinschgl)