Documentary about activist Efrat Tilma wins Robert Geisendörfer Preis

The documentary film ‘I AM WHAT I AM – Stolz eine Frau zu sein’ has been awarded the 2026 Robert Geisendörfer Preis. Produced by NDR and ARTE, the film was recognized in the television category during a gala in Mainz.

The documentary portrays the life of Efrat Tilma, an Israeli transgender activist. The film follows her journey from facing persecution and fleeing Israel in the 1960s to living in Paris and Casablanca, eventually building a new life in Berlin. After 35 years in exile, Tilma returned to Israel, where she served as the first volunteer transgender employee for the Israeli police.

The jury praised the film for its respectful and close portrayal of Tilma, noting that it avoids turning her into a mere symbol or hero, instead presenting a human being with complexity, humor, and resilience. The award was accepted by producers Christian Beetz and Georg Tschurschentahler, along with directors Sagi Bornstein and Udi Nir.