Germany 2025Language:German, Turkish, Kurdish, Arabic, EnglishSubtitles:GermanDirector:Mehmet Akif BüyükatalayWriter:Mehmet Akif BüyükatalayCinematographer:Christian KochmannEditor:Denys Darahan, Andreas MennMusic:Marvin MillerSound:Steffen PfauthWith:Devrim Lingnau, Mehdi Meskar, Serkan Kaya, Nicolette Krebitz, Aziz Çapkurt, Nazmi KırıkProducer:Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay, Claus Herzog-ReichelProduction Company:filmfaustDistributor:Rapid Eye Movies HE GmbH104 min, Colour

While shooting a film about the right-wing-extremist arson attack in Solingen, director Yiğit casts refugees as extras. When a burnt Koran is found on set and film footage later disappears, mistrust, prejudice and political tensions begin to grow. The ambitious trainee Elif finds herself at the centre of events. “Elif has a personal story of a ‘nerdy migrant’ who tries to escape from the world of her origins into the world of success through diligence and obedience and who, although she finds her way in both worlds, feels at home in neither.” (Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay)

A gripping thriller with clever dialogue that encourages the viewer to reflect and to doubt.

Director's Biography:Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay, born 1987 in Bad Hersfeld, studied at the KHM Cologne. In 2019, his film ORAY won Best Debut Film at the Berlinale and received numerous other international awards. With his production company filmfaust, he writes and produces international and award-winning feature films and documentaries, including LIEBE, D-MARK UND TOD (2022).

Director's Filmography:

2019 ORAY
2016 EVEN IF (SHORT)
2013 VOR DEM TOR DES IJTIHAD (SHORT)


Director's photo: © Marcus Hoehn
Film image: © filmfaust