Favoriten
Favoriten is one of the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in Vienna and is the starting point of Ruth Beckermann’s latest documentary, in which she accompanies a class of pupils from ages seven to ten. Their ambitious teacher, Ilkay, is determined to create an inclusive, supportive and safe environment for the kids. The majority of children don’t speak German at home, some families are wounded by war experience and many face discrimination. Despite few resources from the educational system, Ilkay gently navigates her class through daily adventures, defeats and victories. The result is an astonishingly cheerful portrait of a small community mirroring the complexities of contemporary European society. The film is an ode to childhood, celebrating the work of educators and lifelong learning in and outside the classroom.
Ruth Beckermann is a filmmaker and writer was born in Vienna, Austria. Her film Those Who Go Those Who Stay won Best Documentary at the 2014 Diagonale in Graz. Two years later, The Dreamed Ones won Best Feature Film at the same festival. The Waldheim Waltz received several prizes including the Glashütte Original – Documentary Award at the 2018 Berlinale and was also nominated as Austria’s entry for the Oscars. In 2022, Mutzenbacher screened in the Encounters section of the Berlinale where it won the award for Best Film.
