In keeping with its long-standing tradition of embracing the marginalized areas of cinema, Filmfest Oldenburg is launching a new award: The European Silverback Award.

Since its inception in the 1990s, Oldenburg has consistently focused on the fringe areas of cinematic art, bringing attention to filmmakers and films that do not easily fit into existing narratives, often offering a counterpoint to mainstream cinema.

Festival Director Torsten Neumann explains: "We love discovering new voices, but we also recognize the importance of honoring those who have been in the game for a long time. The European Silverback Award is for filmmakers who have weathered the storms of the film industry and kept their creative spirit alive. In a time when 'old white men' are even sometimes viewed negatively, we want to emphasize: experience, character, and dominance matter."

Since its early years, the festival has taken it upon itself to keep the door open for marginalized cinema, ensuring that the promotion of film art reflects a necessary diversity of voices. In the past, female filmmakers like Nancy Savoca, Katt Shea, and Icíar Bollaín have been honored with tributes, genre cinema has found its connection to arthouse in Oldenburg, and great outsiders and provocateurs such as Ken Russell, Andrzej Żuławski, Bruce Robinson, and Philippe Mora have also been celebrated at the festival.

The award will be given for the best film by an experienced European filmmaker. Only films that are at least the third feature film of a director will be considered. Nominations will be made across sections based on the festival's selected films that meet these criteria.

With this award Oldenburg is making it clear once and for all: experience, determination, resilience, and sheer dominance are the qualities that should be celebrated.