PHILIPPE KASTNER’S DEDE IS DEAD WINS A SPECIAL MENTION AT THE BERLINALE

The Children’s Jury of the Berlinale International Film Festival’s Generation Kplus Section has bestowed its Special Mention on the animated film Dede is Dead (Deniska umřela) directed by Department of Animated Film student Philippe Kastner.

Made as a school exercise in the second year of study at FAMU’s Department of Animated Film, Kastner’s short film covers a sensitive topic. It tells the story of losing a dearly loved household pet and of how one can process such painful experience. “A real story which triggered an abundance of emotions: A great animation, with a special drawing style and beautifully used colours, inspired us!” said the jury, which in the Generation Kplus section involves selected children aged 11 to 14.

There were a total of 16 film competing for the Crystal Bear in the Kplus section. Kastner considers it a huge honour for Dede is Dead to be selected amidst global competition at the Berlinale. “It never occurred to me before that something like this could happen, and it’s great to see that people like the film, especially since it covers such a personal topic,” Kastner said of his nomination in December.