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ifs graduate and writer Sandra Schröder has been honoured with the German Screenplay Award in Gold for her screenplay »Als Bestie bin ich aufgewacht«. She was presented with the "Golden Lola" for the best unpublished screenplay by Michael Sacher, Member of the German Bundestag, on behalf of Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth at the reception of the German Screenplay Association on the occasion of the Berlinale. The jury honoured her work as "an impressive story about the ability of people to survive and adapt in a hostile environment". The award is endowed with €10,000, and the further development of her screenplay can also be funded with up to €20,000. Congratulations!
When her mother dies, Margo is 14. To avoid being placed in an orphanage, she leaves everything behind and moves in with her father in an unnamed small town. A mistake. Her father turns out to be a callous, dismissive man. But Margo is tough. She hides her true feelings behind laconic behaviour and a big mouth. Let others shed their tears.
The screenplay was supported by the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW.
The jury statement:
"She nevertheless grits her teeth against her father, who makes his living with illegal dog fighting and trains dogs to become beasts. In a desperate endeavour to win the love of her only remaining caregiver, Margo turns into a beast herself and goes too far. The young author Sandra Schröder tells this gripping story of the perseverance of a child in a hostile adult world with impressive aplomb and credibility. A narrative gem, psychologically penetrating, clear and precise. A strong new voice for German film."
The prize for the best unfilmed screenplay is the most important and most highly endowed national award for outstanding achievements in screenwriting.
Sandra Schröder graduated in 2016 in the screenwriting specialisation of the Bachelor's degree programme in Film at the ifs.