German president congratulates Golden Bear winner at Berlinale

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Sunday congratulated İlker Çatak after the German director's "Yellow Letters" won the top prize at the Berlinale.

Çatak was awarded the Golden Bear on Saturday, marking the first time in more than 20 years that a German-directed film took home the most important prize at the Berlin International Film Festival.

The film tells the story of a Turkish couple from the theatre world whose political views cost them their jobs, leading them to financial hardship.

Steinmeier said the subject of the film is universal, raising questions on how individuals respond when they get on the radar of an authoritarian power.

Çatak depicts an issue that anyone could face "at a time when democracy and freedom are under attack as never before, even in our reunified country," Steinmeier said.

"Your film 'Yellow Letters' is therefore also an appeal not to stand idly by and watch as a new fascination with authoritarianism spreads, but to defend our liberal democracy vigorously," the German president added. "I thank you very much for that."

The film is to be released in cinemas on March 5.

Among the other winners at the Berlinale were German actress Sandra Hüller, who was awarded a Silver Bear for best performance in a leading role in "Rose," and Grant Gee, who took home the Best Director prize for "Everybody Digs Bill Evans."