German Cinema at Finále: film energy from our neighbours

How many great German films have you seen in Czech cinemas this year? Probably not many – and that’s a pity, because German cinema bursts with energy, originality, and fresh talent.

At Finále, we regularly present remarkable films from our western neighbours in the German Cinema section. This year, you can look forward to a selection of feature and short films by directors who have scored points both at home and at international festivals. You can enjoy German cinema at Finále thanks to our collaboration with the Cottbus Film Festival. Come and broaden your cinematic horizons!

Feature Films

September 5

directed by Tim Fehlbaum

The Olympic Games, Munich, 1972. It was supposed to be a routine sports news assignment. During the live broadcast, a terrorist attack unfolds against the Israeli Olympic team. Instead of covering sport performances, the reporters become immersed in live footage of the terrorists and their hostages. But what happens if something tragic occurs right on camera? This film reconstruction of the television coverage, which drew over a billion viewers, was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

The Family Approach

directed by Daniel Abma

More than 200,000 young people in Germany grow up in foster care or residential group homes, where children live together under some form of supervision. But what does childhood look like in such conditions? And is it possible to create a sense of family for the children when their real families are unable to care for them? One such group lives in a seemingly idyllic house by a lake. The Family Approach is a documentary that follows three caregivers over the course of more than a year, revealing the everyday challenges they face together with the children.

From Hilde, With Love

directed by Andreas Dresen

In another time, Hilde would have been blissfully in love with Hans, raising their child together. But it is 1942. The tides of history tear apart all their dreams, and instead, the couple becomes involved in the anti-Nazi resistance known as the Red Orchestra. From that moment on, nothing will ever be the same... From Hilde, With Love premiered in the main competition at the Berlinale International Film Festival. Director Andreas Dresen is no stranger to acclaim, having received awards at prestigious festivals in Cannes, Berlin, and Karlovy Vary.

Vena

directed by Chiara Fleischhacker

Jenny is different. Anyone can see that at first glance. But hardly anybody knows that she is addicted to methamphetamine and that her child was taken away because of it. Now, she’s not only expecting another baby, but also awaiting a probable prison sentence. In the darkness, a last glimmer of hope appears – midwife Marla, who helps guide her toward self-respect. Has Jenny already crossed the point of no return, or does she still have a chance to change her fate? This authentic insight into the life of drug addicts is the debut film of German director Chiara Fleischhacker, for which she received the FIPRESCI Prize and the Special Jury Award at the Torino Film Festival.

Short Films

Balconies, directed by Xenia Smirnov

The Waiting, directed by Volker Schlecht

Nine Days in August, directed by Ella Knorz

At Home I Feel Like Leaving, directed by Simon Maria Kubiena

Asches, directed by DingDing Jiang