"Moritz in the advertising pillar" - Christa Kożik is honored

The children's and youth film author Christa Kożik, author of the GDR classic "Moritz in der Litfasssäule", is being honored for her artistic life's work. The 83-year-old will receive the 10,000 euro prize from the Defa Foundation at a gala on September 27, the foundation announced. "Her stories are touching, magical, free of violence and a great playground for children's imagination," said Stefanie Eckert, chairwoman of the foundation.

Christa Kożik was born in Legnica in Lower Silesia in 1941 and is said to be one of the most important authors of children's and youth films in Germany. Her best-known films include "Philipp, der Kleine" (1975), "Ein Schneemann für Afrika" (1977), "Moritz in der Litfaßsäule" (1983) and "Gritta von Rattenzuhausbeiuns" (1984). The youth film "Sieben Sommersprossen" (1978) became a cult film. She lives not far from the former Defa studio for feature films in Potsdam-Babelsberg.

The award will be presented on September 27 at the Akademie der Künste in Berlin. In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award, the DEFA Foundation will also award a prize for outstanding achievements in German film (10,000 euros), a prize for young cinema (5,000 euros) and three program prizes (5,000 euros each). The other award winners will be announced on the day of the awards ceremony.