A Coffee in Berlin (Oh Boy)

In accordance to COVID-19 protocols, all students must wear masks and show proof of full vaccination (two doses) to enter Saint Paul University, where the Goethe-Institut Ottawa is located.

The Goethe-Institut Ottawa's monthly thematic film series on German cinema at Saint Paul University.

A Coffee in Berlin (Oh Boy)

Germany 2012, 85 min.
Director: Jan-Ole Gerster
With: Tom Schilling, Marc Hosemann, Friederike Kempter, Justus von Dohnányi, Michael Gwisdek, Katharina Schüttler, Frederick Lau, Ulrich Noethen

Niko is in his late twenties, lives in Berlin, and dropped out of law school two years ago. Since then, he idly drifts through life. His wealthy father, not being aware that his son is a dropout, still sends money every month – until now. When the ATM swallows his debit card, Niko realizes that his account is empty. But this just marks the start of day which won't turn out well for him at all. He has a series of both absurd and sobering encounters with neighbours, friends, an old classmate and, of course, his father. In the course of events, Niko learns that he has to get a new perspective on life.

Berlin in the 2010s is the big city in which everything is possible at any time and thus everything could always be different or even better. Everything is always in the making and you don't have to commit yourself, instead you can let yourself drift - from one moment to the next and when things get serious, you just move on. The next party, the next happening is sure to come. - With Oh Boy, Jan Ole Gerster captures an attitude to life that drew many people, especially young people, to Berlin and still does - except that rents are now more expensive and living space is even scarcer. There's no need to unpack moving boxes, it's all transition, ties are fluid, and yet the city confronts you with its turbulent history at every turn. You just have to look closely.

Short term changes possible. Please check our website regularly.