BERLIN, Feb 1 (ZIZ): The esteemed panel for the 2024 Berlinale Shorts has been unveiled, featuring a diverse trio of industry experts. Heading the International Short Film Jury are the accomplished director and screenwriter, Ilker Çatak from Germany, the renowned sound artist and researcher, Xabier Erkizia from Spain, and the multifaceted director, screenwriter, video artist, and lecturer, Jennifer Reeder from the USA. Together, they will carefully evaluate the 20 nominated films to determine the recipients of the Golden Bear for Best Short Film, the Silver Bear Jury Prize (Short Film), and the Berlin Short Film Candidate for the European Film Awards.
Below are brief profiles of the distinguished members of the Berlinale Shorts Jury for 2024:
- Ilker Çatak (Germany)
Ilker Çatak, a Berlin native with roots in both Berlin and Istanbul, brings a wealth of experience as a director and screenwriter. Before pursuing formal film studies, he dedicated four years to working on various German and international cinema productions. Çatak has an impressive portfolio of over a dozen short films, with his graduation film, Sadakat, clinching the prestigious Student Academy Award in Gold in 2015. His fourth feature film, “Das Lehrerzimmer” (The Teacher’s Lounge), premiered in Panorama last year and is currently nominated for the Oscar® in the Best International Feature Film category for 2024. Recognized with five German Film Awards, Çatak has earned numerous accolades for his works, including “Es gilt das gesprochene Wort” (I Was, I Am, I Will Be). - Xabier Erkizia (Spain)
Hailing from the Basque region, Xabier Erkizia is an accomplished sound artist and researcher renowned for his exploration of listening, sound production, and shaping. With over 100 films to his credit, Erkizia collaborates with various artists and bands, creates sound installations for exhibitions and stage productions, and contributes to radio productions and film soundtracks. Notable works include “El sembrador de estrellas” (Berlinale Shorts 2022) and “Samsara” (Encounters 2023) by Lois Patiño. Erkizia is also active as a filmmaker, researcher, and educator, with a keen focus on sound in its diverse forms, curating music festivals and teaching. - Jennifer Reeder (USA)
From Chicago, Jennifer Reeder is a distinguished director, screenwriter, video artist, and lecturer. Initially trained as a ballet dancer, she commenced her artistic journey with the trilogy “The White Trash Girl,” shot on VHS, where she took on the lead role. Reeder’s short films often explore the world of young girls, leaving an indelible mark in the teen-film genre. Her films have garnered global recognition, showcased in fine art contexts and prestigious film festivals. Notable Berlinale premieres include “Blood Below the Skin” (Berlinale Shorts 2015), “Crystal Lake” (Generation 2016), her debut feature-length film “Knives and Skin” (Generation 2019), and the horror-thriller “Perpetrator” (Panorama 2023).
