Das Lehrerzimmer (The Teachers' Lounge)

The microcosm of a school as a metaphor for society: nothing new, but in his fourth feature film, Das Lehrerzimmer, German director İlker Çatak takes a creative approach to it. The idealistic Carla Nowak teaches maths and physical education to 12- to 14-year-olds. Her commitment is beyond question, something which is appreciated by her students. One day, Carla gets involved in the investigation of thefts plaguing the school. As such, she becomes the centre of a storm that just won't subside. Adults and adolescents are pitted against each other. The students openly question the authority of their parents and teachers, especially when they feel an injustice is done. Çatak limits the action to the school, allowing Das Lehrerzimmer to slowly emerge as a claustrophobic thriller, strengthened by Marvin Miller's electrifying score.