Mr. Bachmann and His Class (HKIFF45)

Director: Maria Speth
Germany / 2021 / German / 217 minutes / DCP / Colour

In the industrial German town of Stadtallendorf, Mr. Bachmann, 65, is on the verge of retiring. His class, composed of immigrant children from various countries and religious backgrounds, offers an alternative, inclusive curriculum: empathetic and understanding of the migrant reality. Maria Speth paints a loving portrait of the relationship between educator and student, while the microcosm of the classroom offers a glance into Germany’s history of immigration and labour – from the forced factory work of the Nazi era to the current waves of economically-determined displacement. Silver Bear Jury Prize, Berlinale.

5/4 & 11/4: Meet-the-filmmaker through video or live streaming.