Awards

As the main award of the Independent Days, this award carries particular significance. It stands not only for artistic quality but also for the recognition of innovative narrative styles and cinematic signatures that continue to develop the medium of short film at the highest level. The award ceremony takes place in the historic Schauburg cinema and is one of the emotional highlights of the festival.

In addition to the prestigious trophy, the prize includes a cash award of €2,500, thus providing filmmakers with concrete support for future projects. With this award, the Sparkasse Karlsruhe Cultural Foundation underscores its commitment to promoting independent filmmaking and sends a strong signal about the importance of short films in the international festival landscape.

The Film Award of the City of Karlsruhe – Audience Award holds a very special place among the Independent Days awards, because here, the audience alone decides, not a jury. During specially designated programme blocks, viewers have the opportunity to choose their personal favorite – making this award a direct and authentic voice of the festival experience.

This direct participation is precisely what gives the award its special significance: it honors the film that most deeply touches, inspires, or impresses the audience. This award  thus represents the immediate response on the screen and reflects the diversity of tastes and perspectives among festivalgoers.

The City of Karlsruhe sponsors this prize, which is endowed with €1,500. As a visible symbol of this special distinction, the KARLINA trophy is awarded – a symbol of the close connection between filmmakers and their audience.