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Das Lehrerzimmer

(The Teachers' Lounge)

Carla Nowak, a young high school gym and math teacher, reports for her first class at her new high school. What mainly distinguishes Carla from her new colleagues is her idealism. But a series of unsolved thefts sours the atmosphere among the teaching staff. When a Turkish student is accused and humiliatingly summoned before the principal, Carla decides to investigate.

With the help of a hidden camera and to everyone’s surprise, she exposes the apparent thief. But this revelation presents Carla with an unsolvable dilemma: Carla's most talented pupil Oskar is convinced of the thief's innocence. For Carla, the forces she has unleashed slide steadily out of control..

Director: İlker Çatak
Screenplay: Johannes Duncker & İlker Çatak
DoP: Judith Kaufmann / Producer: Ingo Fliess / Casting: Simone Bär / Editor: Gesa Jäger / Score: Marvin Miller

Starring Leonie Benesch, Leonard Stettnisch, Eva Löbau, Michael Klammer, Rafael Stachowiak, Sarah Bauerett, Kathrin Wehlisch, Anne-Kathrin Gummich

Produced by if... Produtions in co-production with ZDF/arte
Funded by BKM, MOIN, DFFF, FFA
Distributor (Germany): Alamode Film / World sales: Be for Films

World premiere at 73rd Berlinale - Panorama
Winner of Europa Cinema Label Award and CICAE Prize at 73rd Berlinale

Winner of five Lolas at the German Film Awards 2023: Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Female Lead, Best Editing (nominated for Best Cinematography, Best Score)