System Crasher by Nora Fingscheidt

Director Nora Figscheidt's debut feature film System Crasher (Systemsprenger) will be screened next in our series German Cinema in Focus, curated by Shivani.

The film celebrated its world premiere at the 69th Berlinale and ended up winning no less than 8 German Film Awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, as well as Best Actor and Best Actress.

System Crasher
by Nora Fingscheidt
2019 | col. | 118 min. | German with English subtitles

System Crasher follows the tumultuous journey of a 9-year-old girl named Benni who has been passed through numerous foster homes, schools, and institutions, earning the label "system crasher" due to her aggressive and disruptive behaviour that the child welfare services cannot handle.

The film delves into Benni’s struggle with abandonment and her relationships with her mother and care givers. Despite various efforts by the people around her, particularly Micha, Benni's violent outbursts make it nearly impossible to find a lasting solution for her care. The story focus on Micha, determined to break through Benni's tough exterior and provide her with the stability and affection she desperately needs.

The film's intense and realistic depiction of Benni's life offers a powerful commentary on the complexities of caring for children with severe behavioural issues. Nora Fingscheidt is a German director and screenwriter known for her work in both documentary and narrative filmmaking. Her work often explores intense emotional and social issues, and she is known for her empathetic and nuanced approach to complex characters and situations.

Her short films have been in constant participation at the Max Ophüls Prize competition, winning the award in 2017 for her documentary Without This World, which chronicles the life of Argentine Mennonites. Following the success of System Crasher, Fingscheidt has been involved in various international projects like The Unforgivable (2021) and The Outrun (2024), expanding her reach and influence in the film industry.

Entry free!