The Teachers’ Lounge

2023 Berlin & Beyond Film Festival Autumn Showcase Audience Award Winner

Statement by İlker Çatak (Director/Co-Screenwriter):
I am thrilled and deeply honored about this award. Receiving the Audience Award is particularly special because it reflects the connection our film has made with viewers. It signifies that our story resonated and left a lasting impression, and for that, we are immensely grateful. The heartwarming response from the audience at Berlin & Beyond is a testament to the power of storytelling and the collaborative efforts of everyone involved in this project. My deepest gratitude to the festival organizers, the incredible audience, and everyone who played a role in bringing our vision to life. Your support motivates me to push new boundaries and explore the art of cinema. Thank you all for this tremendous honor. 

Much love,
Ilker

Read 2023 Autumn Showcase Wrap Release

Film Description: When one of her students is suspected of theft, teacher Carla Nowak decides to get to the bottom of the matter. Caught between her ideals and the school system, the consequences of her actions threaten to break her. Germany’s Official Entry to the 2024 Academy Awards. Winner of 5 German Film Awards: Best Film (Gold), Best Director, Best Lead Actress, Best Screenplay, and Best Editing. US Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics