Berlin, 23 February 2025 (dpa/MIA) - The coming of age film "Drømmer," or "Dreams," by Norwegian director Dag Johan Haugerud has won the Golden Bear, the top prize of the Berlin International Film Festival, known as the Berlinale, the festival has announced.

The feature film is about a young woman who falls in love with her teacher, but the feelings of 17-year-old Johanne, played by Ella Øverbye, are not reciprocated.

Motivated by her mother and grandmother, she turns her fantasies and heartbreak into a novel. "Drømmer" is the third part of a trilogy by Haugerud, which is about love and sexuality.

Other films awarded prizes

The Jury Grand Prix went to "O último azul" ("The Blue Trail") by Brazilian director Gabriel Mascaro.

The Jury Prize was awarded to "El mensaje" ("The Message") by Argentinian director Iván Fund. The Chinese filmmaker Huo Meng was honoured for best direction with his social panorama "Sheng xi zhi di" ("Living the Land").

The Silver Bear for best acting performance in a leading role went to Australian Rose Byrne for "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You." Irish actor Andrew Scott was honoured for his supporting role in the chamber play "Blue Moon." He gave a video message to thank the audience.

Film about Hamas hostage wins best documentary

Radu Jude, who won the Golden Bear in 2021, received a Silver Bear for the script of "Kontinental 25.” The creative ensemble of "La Tour de Glace" ("The Ice Tower") was honoured for outstanding artistic achievement.

The award for best documentary film went to "Holding Liat" by Brandon Kramer, which tells the story of former Hamas hostage Liat Beinin Atzili.