WINNERS | FINALISTS (pdf en | it) | SHORTLIST: R · T · D | Catalogue | press
Nathan Farr (CBC/SRC, Canada), Rytis Skamarakas (LRT, Lithuania), Agnieszka Czyżewska Jacquemet (PR, Poland), Octavia Galescu (SRR, Romania), Luigi Picardi (RV, Vatican State).
The President: Agnieszka Czyżewska Jacquemet (PR, Poland).
P R I N C E – FunkyPurpleAssoziationen (P R I N C E – FunkyPurpleAssociations)
Author: Elisabeth Weilenmann. Direction: Elisabeth Weilenmann, Marie-Louise Fürnsinn (assistant). Actors: Alina Fritsch, Oskar Weilenmann, Eszter Hollósi. Other Participants: Hanna-Lea Drexel (directing internship), Gerald Irnacek (editorial), Elmar Peinelt (sound), Stefanie Zussner (production management), Kurt Reissnegger (editor). Producing Organisation: ORF/Ö1. Coproducing Organisation: ARD Hessischer Rundfunk
This year, the Radio Music category was remarkably diverse, bringing together musical compositions, programs/podcasts, and audio documentaries. The three finalists represented the best work in each form, and all presented their work excellently. Yet, there could be only one winner. The jury's deliberations were difficult, as it is challenging to compare years of creative effort with a singular act of artistic creation. Fortunately, the jury consisted of an odd number of members; otherwise, the deliberations would still be ongoing. The winning entry was recognized for its perfect narrative rhythm—a story in which music and speech engage in constant dialogue. The piece immediately draws listeners in through meticulously layered sound-bites, songs, effects, and both jovial and reflective narration, taking them through the chaotic and blissful world of the Idol and the small-town girl dreaming of a wider world. Yet, this is more than a personal story. Archival sounds transport the listener through time, creating a portrait spanning generations, from the post-World War II era to the present. It becomes a musical tale about growing into freedom and responsibility and taking control of one's own life. The author demonstrates masterful control over every sound. A carefully crafted structure is built around ten hit songs, which are creatively transformed, edited, and blended into original musical narratives in a rhythmic, high-energy funk style. Here, both the music and the creative process become characters in the story, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the work of the singer and the documentary's author. Alicia Keys once said, "There were many kings, but only one Prince." Let us add: and one Princess - Elisabeth Weilenmann.
FSME 840: W 'en I listen
Semibreve: Intertextualidade (Semibreve: Intertextuality)
Elisabeth Weilenmann (ORF, Austria), Perrine Kervran (ARTE FRANCE, France), Elena Zieser (ARD, Germany), Lorenzo Pavolini (RAI, Italy), Ali Fuat Gülmez (TRT, Türkiye), Alison Hindell (BBC, United Kingdom).
The President: Alison Hindell (BBC, United Kingdom).
Maitotyttö (Milkmaid)
Authors: Laura Gustafsson, Hilja Kerimäki. Dramaturgy: Paula Salminen. Direction: Laura Gustafsson. Actors: Eeva Mäkinen, Leea Klemola, Jarkko Lahti, Arttu Kurttila, Tarja Keinänen, Nicklas Pohjola, Anna Airola, Jouko Puolanto, Eeva Soivio, Satu Tuuli Karhu. Sound Track: Tuomas Hautala. Sound Designer: Hanna-Helena Kinnunen. Producers: Pekka Savolainen, Matti Kajander (Executive Producer). Producing Organisation: Yle
All three of our excellent finalists shone a light on serious subjects of our times. The winner features a multi-layered construction with a beautifully-written script that sharply illuminates an insider's story with its emphasis on the growing sensibility towards violence against animals. The winner made radio drama headline news, a rare occurrence for this genre.
Matko Boží, vyžen Putina (Mother of God, Banish Putin)
Vinovații (Culprits)
Petar Vujačić (HRT, Croatia), Shauna McGreevy (RTÉ, Ireland), Håkan Engström (SVERIGES RADIO, Sweden), Yevhenii Chyzh (SUSPILNE UKRAINE, Ukraine).
The President: Petar Vujačić (HRT, Croatia).
Du som brukade vara min mamma (You Used to Be My Mum)
Author: Karin Hållsten. Producer: Anna Frey. Sound: Agnes Cassel. Publisher: Emma Boëthius. Producing Organisation: P1 Dokumentär
We award the unique approach to the story, as well as the human touch, the professional rigour, and the sheer empathy, which led to the making of this superb production.
Boycott! The Fight to End Apartheid
Mon Héroïne (My Heroin(e))
Alba Kepi (ORA, Albania), Tabe Ebangha Enonchong (CRTV, Cameroon), Marika Kecskeméti (YLE, Finland), Dorothée Binding (ARD, Germany), Lorenzo Ottolenghi (RAI, Italy), Woroud Khazali (JRTV, Jordan), Emelie Persson (SVT, Sweden), Barbara Seiler (SRG SSR, Switzerland), Mali Liu (TBS, Taiwan).
The President: Alba Kepi (ORA, Albania).
Ich will alles – Hildegard Knef (I Want It All – Hildegard Knef)
Author, Direction: Luzia Schmid. Editing: Yana Höhnerbach. Producer: Thomas Kufus. Producing Organisation: zero one Film. Coproducing Organisation: rbb
Luzia Schmid's documentary I Want It All - Hildegard Knef is a cinematic biography of an extraordinary artist. Drawing on archival material spanning six decades, it portrays "Hilde" as a highly ambitious, eloquent, and laconic yet sharp-witted woman who knew how to create and control her own image. As a singer, actress, and author, she achieved major success not only in Germany, but also overcame profound artistic, health, and personal crises, continually reinventing herself along the way. Told consistently from her own perspective, the documentary combines rare archival material from six decades of the diva's life, including concert footage, film excerpts, and interviews from different stages of her life and career. Her daughter, Christine Gardiner, and her last partner, Paul von Schell, offer personal reflections, while Nina Kunzendorf reads excerpts from the icon's books. In the view of the preliminary jury, the film is far more than a sensitive and multifaceted homage to an extraordinary artist. It presents Hildegard Knef as the voice of a generation in post-war Germany; as a feminist who confidently asserted herself in a male-dominated industry; and as an icon who spoke with uncompromising openness about taboo subjects such as cosmetic surgery, ageing, and profound personal crises. Created to mark what would have been her 100th birthday, the film offers a portrait of a surprisingly modern and self-determined woman—an author who polarized audiences and a singer who captivated them. It is a powerful portrait of a strong woman and, in the view of the preliminary jury, a film truly deserving of the Prix Italia.
Oliviero Toscani. Chi mi ama mi segua (Oliviero Toscani. Whoever Loves Me, Follow Me)
Dangaus konstruktorius (Sky Builder)
Valery Marinov (BNT, Bulgaria), Sophie Bégin (CBC/SRC, Canada), Petr Hauzírek (ČT, Czech Republic), Pernille Munk Esmark Skydsgaard (DR, Denmark), Toni Mekhael (ART, Egypt), Eric Morfaux (ARTE G.E.I.E., France), Maik Platzen (ZDF, Germany), Sabrina Fiorito (TV2000, Italy), Carlos Maio (RTP, Portugal), Alona Holiakova (SUSPILNE UKRAINE, Ukraine), Nawfal Faizullah (BBC, United Kingdom).
The President: Sophie Bégin (CBC/SRC, Canada).
The Man Who Carried the Voices of August
Author: Ito Akihiko. Screenplay: Ikehata Shunsaku. Adapted from: A Will from the Future: The Story of One Hibakusha's Experience. Direction: Shibata Takeshi. Actors: Motoki Masahiro, Ishibashi Shizuka, Ito Aoi, Kino Hana, Kunihiro Tomiyuki, Ono Machiko, Tanaka Tetsushi, Abe Sadawo. Sound Track: Shimizu Yasuaki. Executive Producers: Kamo Yoshitaka, Osaki Hirokazu, Kumano Noritoki. Producers: Matsumoto Taichi, Morii Atsushi. Coproducing Organisation: WOWOW
It was a very difficult decision, as all three productions address important and highly relevant issues in 2026. Ultimately, however, our choice fell on The Man Who Carried the Voices of August for its intimate and universal approach. The TV movie teaches us to listen to the silences, to take a step back and reflect on events, and, above all, never to forget the past. It is a series that serves a meaningful purpose while also moving us deeply. We were particularly struck by the way the subject is approached, and by the reasons for telling this story today. Through the story of journalist Tamotsu Tsujihara and the testimonies of Hiroshima survivors, the series explores the human consequences of the atomic bomb while deepening our understanding of memory and how it is passed from one generation to the next. In doing so, it makes us even more aware of the consequences of the nuclear threat that continues to loom over the world, perhaps more urgently than ever in 2026. The testimonies, the silences, the encounters and the human relationships are at the heart of the story, rather than graphic representations of war. We would nevertheless like to emphasize that the other two nominated series are equally powerful and sensitive works, addressing issues that are just as important.
L'affaire Laura Stern (Laura's Treatments)
Reasoning: In L'affaire Laura Stern, we particularly appreciated the artistic approach, which brings together highly talented actors and non-professional performers. Their presence gives the series a remarkable sense of authenticity and brought the story very close to our hearts. We were deeply moved by the way the series addresses femicide, a deeply troubling and urgent social issue. We were particularly struck by its strong social relevance and by the heartfelt yet suspenseful way in which this difficult subject is brought to the screen.
M – Il figlio del secolo (M – The Son of the Century)
Reasoning: We would also like to highlight the great strength of M – Il figlio del secolo. Its narrative approach is remarkably inventive, while the direction is both highly creative and striking. Once again, this is a series that serves a meaningful purpose in today's world—a series that helps us understand the importance of democracy in our lives.
Caroline Behar (FRANCE TÉLÉVISIONS, France), Andrea Marinari (HEARST, Italy), Misaizu Yukari (NHK, Japan), Gena Teodosievska (MRT, North Macedonia), Karolina Socha Kalinowska (TVP, Poland), Alina Amza (TVR, Romania), Jacqueline Hlongwane (SABC, South Africa), Paphaphorn Chalermwanich (THAI PBS, Thailand), Hikmet Şebnem Tezel Albayrak (TRT, Türkiye).
The President: Gena Teodosievska (MRT, North Macedonia).
The Song of Trees
Screenplay, Direction: Jay Jaeun Chin. Narrating Voice: Enna Kim. Editing: Noh Yoolwoo. Photography: Ha Seungching. Producer: Choi Eunji. Coproducing Organisation: KNN
This is a unique and poetic film, visually extraordinary, which invites us to return to the origins of our being. One person and their important, selfless decision will go down in history as a gift to us all. The incredible interplay between the director's vision and the ballet-like movements of the camera transports us into the magical yet real world of a strong soul driven by a noble purpose.
13 novembre, le choix de Sonia (November 13, Sonia's Choice)
Der talentierte Mr. F (The Talented Mr F)
Gerald Heidegger (ORF, Austria), Kåre Vedding Poulsen (DR/SVT, Denmark/Sweden), Isabella David-Zagratzki (ARD, Germany), Giovanni Belli (HEARST, Italy), Rob Unsworth (BBC, United Kingdom).
The President: Kåre Vedding Poulsen (DR/SVT, Denmark/Sweden).
Influence mortelle, la face cachée de TikTok (Deadly Influence: The Hidden Side of TikTok)
Direction: Louise Martins Gonçalves, Elisa Helain. Producing Organisations: France TV, Everprod (Elephant Group)
This year's winning project takes us straight into the darker side of social media – a world where algorithms, influencers and harmful advice from dubious experts can have very real, and sometimes devastating, consequences for young people. It is investigative. It is inventive. And it uses the language of the digital world itself to reveal the mechanics – and the plain cynicism – behind the platforms we use every day. The result is eye-opening, unsettling and impossible to ignore. And importantly, its impact does not stop when the screen goes dark. It is already reaching young people, parents, schools and – yeah! – decision-makers in the real world.
Grandir en ligne : qu'est-ce qui se cache derrière mes réseaux sociaux? (Growing Up Online: What's Behind My Social Networks?)
Men of the Manosphere
Adele Cardamone-Martel (CBC/SRC, Canada), Noora Kulta (YLE, Finland), Juliette Gramaglia (ARTE G.E.I.E., France), Aleksandra Prokopiuk (TVP, Poland), Răzvan Butaru (TVR, Romania), Sonja Savić Vezmar (RTV, Serbia), Anna Pohrebna (SUSPILNE UKRAINE, Ukraine).
The President: Anna Pohrebna (SUSPILNE UKRAINE, Ukraine).
Wednesdays
Direction, Designer: Pierre Corbinais. Sound Track: Virginia B. Fernson. Photography: Exaheva, Nico Nowak. Developers: Christophe Galati, Diane Landais. Producers: Florent Maurin, Pierre Corbinais. Coproducing Organisations: The Pixel Hunt
In an era shaped by AI and commercial interest, we value projects driven by human creativity and stories that genuinely matter. This project embodies the essence of public service: the courage to engage with difficult, complex and uncomfortable subjects — not because they promise mass appeal, but because they deserve to be heard. With courage and sensitivity, it combines narrative, gameplay, visual design and accessibility to bring a challenging story to audiences beyond traditional gaming, while showing how digital innovation can challenge conventions and serve a wider public.
Muumit-lukumaraton (The Moomin Reading Marathon)
App me als je thuis bent (Text Me When You're Home)
Adam Balažovič (ČT, Czech Republic), Sophie Petit (FRANCE TÉLÉVISIONS, France), Philipp Müller (ZDF, Germany), Davide Di Stadio (RAI, Italy), Tshilidzi Davhana (SABC, South Africa), Gregory Catella (SRG SSR, Switzerland).
The President: Adam Balažovič (ČT, Czech Republic).
Techegram
Direction: David Emmer. Photography: Gianni Tosti. Social Media Editors RaiPlay, Digital. Producer: Francesca Grego. Producing Organisations: Rai Contenuti Digitali e Transmediali, Rai Teche
We felt that our winner finds an attractive, playful and contemporary way to unlock the remarkable wealth of archival material held by a public-service broadcaster. By adapting this to the visual language and pace of social media, the project makes the archive accessible to audiences would otherwise have no way of engaging with it. We particularly appreciated its social-media-first approach, in which content is conceived for digital circulation and can then travel on linear broadcasting, rather than simply treating online platforms as a secondary outlet for TV content.
ARD Game Jam – Classical Edition
La manosfera al descubierto (Inside the Manosphere)
Gabriel Torres Espinoza (ATEI), Graham Ellis (BBC), Filippo La Rosa (MAECI), Emelie De Jong (RADIO FRANCE), Elena Capparelli (RAI), Fabrizio Zappi (RAI), Giorgio Pasotti, Lo Schiavo Francesca.
The President:
M – Il figlio del secolo (M – The Son of the Century)
Screenplay: Stefano Bises, Davide Serino. Adapted from: "M. Il figlio del secolo" by Antonio Scurati. Direction: Joe Wright. Actors: Luca Marinelli, Barbara Chichiarelli, Francesco Russo, Benedetta Cimatti, Lorenzo Zurzolo, Paolo Pierobon, Maurizio Lombardi. Sound Track: Tom Rowlands. Photography: Seamus McGarvey. Producing Organisation: The Apartment Pictures (Fremantle)
The award goes to a programme that, through film and television, portrays a historical period strongly reminiscent of the controversial times we are currently living, with the rise of right-wing extremism and totalitarianism disguised as the defence of national identity: movements, political parties and laws targeting immigrants and minorities that are putting a severe strain not only on the very idea of democracy but also on our ability to live together as a civilised society.
L'affaire Laura Stern (Laura's Treatments)
Reasoning: Laura's Treatments has been awarded a Special Mention for highlighting a case of femicide, as a symbol of the many such cases to which the news is brutally accustoming us. Whilst the institutions have shown a lack of care in preventing domestic violence and protecting its victims, Laura has emerged as a champion of women's rights, ensuring that their lives are genuinely protected.
Stanislav Zeman, Lucia Cuocci, Vladyslav Robskyi, Mariachiara Martina.
The President: Lucia Cuocci.
Seong Mul (The Holy Elements)
Author: Jihyun Shin. Direction: Dongil Kim, Songeun Lee, Eungon Kim. Narrating Voice: Korean. Sound Track: Juho Lee. Photography: Sungwoo Choi. Other Participant: Jiyee Hong. Producer: Dongil Kim. Producing Organisation: KBS (Korean Broadcasting System). Production Year: 2025.
A deeply moving story told with great artistic skill that invites us to reflect on the meaning of our lives and on the absence, in western society, of a yearning for holiness – understood not only in its most sacred sense, but as a drive to rise above the grey areas and the darkest corners of history. A child who scales the summit, rising from dust and misery, is a metaphor for the world to which we should aspire.
Students of the University of L'Aquila, Academy of Fine Arts of L'Aquila, Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia–Abruzzo office.
Wednesdays
Direction, Designer: Pierre Corbinais. Sound Track: Virginia B. Fernson. Photography: Exaheva, Nico Nowak. Developers: Christophe Galati, Diane Landais. Producers: Florent Maurin, Pierre Corbinais. Coproducing Organisations: The Pixel Hunt
We chose the winner for its intermedial nature, its relevance to the topic, and its delicate aesthetic. It is an immediate and far-reaching tool for raising awareness around a sensitive issue, both personally and socially. Most importantly, it shows how technology can be designed with people in mind, with the aim of offering help, emotional support, and a sense of connection.
The Song of Trees
Reasoning: Through his artistic vision in his delicate framing, screenplay, and cinematography, as well as through his exploration of both human and ecological themes, conveyed the importance of taking a break from the frenetic chaos of everyday life to rediscover beauty in silence, meditation, nature, and the little things.
