Connie Walther receives Hof Film Prize: A Voice for Women in Cinema

Connie Walther receives Hof Film Prize: A Voice for Women in Cinema

The Hof Film Days have developed into a highlight of the German film scene. This year, director Connie Walther was awarded the City of Hof Film Prize - a prize that was awarded as part of the 59th Hof International Film Festival. Walther is not only one of the most distinctive voices in German cinema, but also has a close connection to the festival that takes place in the city of Hof in October. Her work is characterized by socially critical approaches and a strong commitment to equality in the film industry.

In her speech, Mayor Eva Döhla celebrated the relevance of visibility and equality for women in the film industry. “It is important that women receive the recognition they deserve,” she emphasized. Luisa Bäde gave the laudatory speech and highlighted the important role that Hof plays for Waltther. Walther expressed her personal connection to the city and the festival, which, in her opinion, has undergone remarkable development in recent years.

Creative work and important works

Connie Walter has been active in the film industry since the 1990s. Her academic path took her through studying sociology and Spanish in Marburg and training as an advertising photographer in Düsseldorf directly to the German Film and Television Academy in Berlin, where she studied directing. Her best-known films include “The First Time” (1996), “Wie Feuer und Flamme” (2001), “Schattenwelt” (2007) and “Die Rüden” (2019), which received an impressive response at the Hof Film Festival.

The award, which Walther received in Hof, has been an integral part of the festival since 1986, which aims to recognize outstanding talent in German film. This award is considered one of the most prestigious in German cinema and is not a cash prize - rather, it is an artistic object designed by the artists Christina Mosis and Konrad Gräßler. Before Walther, big names such as Wim Wenders, Werner Herzog and Caroline Link have already received this award.

Commitment to the film industry

Walther is known not only as a filmmaker, but also as a social actor. She is actively committed to fair working conditions, equality and diversity in the film industry. As a founding member of Pro Quote Director and an active participant in the “Future Cinema and Film” initiative, she brings about changes that have a lasting impact on the face of the industry. The award ceremony also recognized the musical performance of the Arthouse Jazz Band, which rounded off the event in an atmospheric way.

The Hof Film Days are more than just a festival – they are a place of exchange and development for filmmakers. In such a creative environment, it is hardly surprising that the Hof Film Festival was once again able to bring the art of German film to the fore. For Connie Walther, who is considered one of the most influential voices in German film, this award is a further step towards presenting her visions and messages to a broader audience.