Johannes Praus wins German Camera Prize for moving documentary film

Johannes Praus wins German Camera Prize for moving documentary film

Johannes Praus was awarded the German Camera Prize on June 19, 2025 for the outstanding image design of the documentary “FAMILY IN PRINCIPLE” excellent. This recognition is a significant career milestone for Praus, who was already nominated for the award in 2020 and 2021. The jury particularly praised his camera work for creating a calming atmosphere in the tense atmosphere of the facility depicted in the film.

“IM PRINCIPLE FAMILY” provides in-depth insights into everyday life in children’s and youth homes. The documentary film, which was directed by Daniel Abma, highlights in particular the living environment of the educators who give the children a feeling of home. Topics such as parental love, bureaucracy and the challenges of the youth welfare office are discussed intensively.

A look behind the scenes

The film tells the story of educators who work in shifts, cooking, washing and taking the children to school and to leisure activities. However, their tasks go beyond everyday organization. They are often listeners, comforters and storytellers who offer children security and support without claiming to be surrogate parents. This balance is a key challenge for educators, especially in a system that is described as overwhelmed.

The film's production year is 2024 and it was shot in a housing project in northeast Germany. Here the educators show how they deal with guardians, parents and the youth welfare office in order to create the best possible conditions for the children. The emotional and often raw depictions offer a respectful insight into both the children's lives and the challenges that the professionals face.

Recognitions and awards

“IM PRINCIPLE FAMILY” not only caused a stir in Germany, but also received international awards. The documentary received the ver.di Prize for Solidarity, Humanity and Fairness at the DOK Leipzig Film Festival 2024, as well as the United Nations Perception Change Award at the Visions du Réel 2025 film festival in Switzerland. It was also awarded best documentary film at the GOLDEN SPATZ children's and youth media festival.

The extensive participation of numerous alumni and students of the film university shows how deep connections there are between education and practical film production. With a team ranging from editing to sound to music, the film is the result of hard work and creative energy. Overall, the following people were involved:

• Jana Dugnus (Montage)
• Johannes Praus (Cinematographie)
• Alexandra Praet (Ton & Sound Design)
• Roman Pogorzelski (Sound Design)
• Christoph Walter (Mischung)
• Henning Fuchs (Musik)
• Lisa Nawrocki (Impact Producer)
• Britta Strampe & Laura Klippel (Produktion)
• Arno Scholwin (Postproduction Supervisor)
• Leonard Aderhold & Tim Altrichter (Originaltonmeister Zusatz)
• Nils Vogel-Bartling (Foley Editor)
• Yasaman Ahmadi & Fionn George (Schnittassistenz)
• Julian Pawelzik (Transkription)

With a theatrical release on June 5, 2025 and a running time of 91 minutes, speaks the film not only aimed at the general public, but also specifically at people who are interested in careers in child and youth welfare. Despite the heavy themes, the film ends with a hopeful ending and underlines the importance of the work of educators in this often overlooked social role.