All narrative short form series are nominated for BEST SERIES.

The jury chose to award a series that truly has it all. The creators used a well-established genre to tell a highly original story, bringing a fresh and personal vision. They crafted a distinct world and atmosphere, assembled a remarkable cast, and built it all around a compelling personal journey. Visually striking, entertaining, and polished, the series embodies the independent spirit that defines die Seriale.

The Best Pilot section is a window to fresh and innovative stories. That’s why the winner from this section is an example that recognizes under appreciated but so important people, in our lives or in our jobs. It’s a very well done dramedy. We tip the hat to those who have mastered this genre. We are looking forward to see the next episodes, because the promise of this pilot is so high leveled that we are very excited.

This year’s nominees in the Best Documentary category took us around the globe — to places such as Spain, Colombia, Russia, Switzerland, Portugal, France, and Canada — and gave us deep insights into the worlds they explored. But one stood out by turning a complex, hidden realm into something both gripping and unforgettable. With outstanding craftsmanship in every frame — from bold directing to stunning cinematography, sharp editing, and beautifully integrated motion graphics — this series transformed what could have been a dry story into a thrilling, cinematic experience. It kept us on the edge of our seats. It was fearless, relevant, and told with a profound sense of responsibility. A brave story, with brave protagonists, that surpassed our expectations by shedding light on the dark depths of greed and the collapse of a giant.

With “Soul Shift”, the creators deliver a refreshingly bold animated series that blends absurdist humor, social commentary, and vibrant visual storytelling. Reminiscent of “Rick & Morty”, the show’s distinct cartoon style and unexpected gags create an experience that is both thought-provoking and wildly entertaining. The show balances clever satire with a genuinely original concept – souls jumping into new bodies, prompting existential and societal questions along the way. An animated project from Germany that feels globally relevant and tonally confident. Full of creative potential – we’re excited to see where this journey leads.

As the jury for this year’s Long Form category at die Seriale, we were honored to experience a wide range of compelling and deeply creative work. Among the nominees, one series stood out through its exceptional and compelling storytelling. The long-form series captivated us with its emotional depth, refined execution, and bold reinvention of the genre. With strong performances, cinematic direction, and a clear creative vision, it kept us engaged from beginning to end. What sets it apart is its ability to balance vulnerability with intensity and intimacy. It uses the lens to explore timeless themes: power, desire, identity, and the cost of immortality.

The Jury was impressed by the director’s ingenuity in crafting a coherent work with limited resources, their ability to portray diverse and distinctive characters within a minimalist setting, and their talent for evoking powerful emotions through a story rooted in the past.

The Jury ended up choosing a screenplay that tells a compelling, original, and emotionally resonant story, with strong, well-developed characters. From the very first lines, we were drawn in by unexpected plot turns and a fresh, out-of-the-ordinary take on the coming-of- age genre. The result is a narrative that feels both distinctive and moving.

This series takes what could have been a very standard story and effectively fleshes out its world, hooking the audience and promising a wealth of rocky but entertaining possibilities for the protagonist’s journey to maturity.

The prize was awarded to a performer who brought a bold, yet also subtle touch to their interpretation — allowing for immediate empathy and connection with the character. Their natural ability to navigate a wide range of emotions made the performance both compelling and deeply authentic.

A great Pitch, strong concept with potential and nice writing were the three criteria evaluated. And the following pitch hit all the marks: to a great prepared pitch, an original content and presentation.