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Favoriten

Play trailer Poster for Favoriten 2024 1h 58m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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Favoriten is one of the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in Vienna and the starting point of Ruth Beckermann's latest documentary, in which she accompanies a class of pupils from the age of 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.

Critics Reviews

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Sophia Satchell Baeza Sight & Sound Nov 11
Ilkay patiently explains the workings of society and is unafraid to confront toxic, sexist and misogynist behaviour, which emerges in the repeated phrases of the sponge-like children. Go to Full Review Jordan Cronk Little White Lies 12/11/2024
4/5
As recent school-set movies such as Un Film Dramatique (2019) and Mr Bachmann and His Class (2021) have demonstrated, classrooms can act as near-perfect microcosms of society at large. Go to Full Review Cath Clarke Guardian 12/03/2024
4/5
The implication is that the system is not designed for kids playing catch-up. Still, it feels like a real privilege to watch them grow, seeing their faces change, catching glimpses of the adults they will become. Go to Full Review Samantha Schuster Cinéfilo Serial Jul 18
4/5
Favoriten is an extremely enjoyable and valuable documentary, as it portrays a particular social group and also highlights the importance of education for children. [Full Review in Spanish] Go to Full Review Begoña Piña Cinemanía (Spain) May 9
3/5
A celebration of public education and multicultural society. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review Ricardo Gallegos La Estatuilla 04/06/2024
It's hard not to fall in love with a film with so much hope and empathy, one where we have a front-row seat to witness the miracle of education... [Full Review in Spanish] Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

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Ruth Beckermann

Director

Ruth Beckermann

Screenwriter

Elisabeth Menasse

Screenwriter

Ruth Beckermann

Producer

Johannes Hammel

Cinematographer

Dieter Pichler

Film Editor

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Favoriten

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Movie Info

Synopsis Favoriten is one of the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in Vienna and the starting point of Ruth Beckermann's latest documentary, in which she accompanies a class of pupils from the age of 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.
Director
Ruth Beckermann
Producer
Ruth Beckermann
Screenwriter
Ruth Beckermann, Elisabeth Menasse
Production Co
Ruth Beckermann Filmproduktion
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
German
Runtime
1h 58m