BLACK BOX

By Asli ÖZGE

BETA CINEMA - as SALES All rights, World

Drama - Completed 2023

The exits of a Berlin courtyard are blocked by the police due to an unclear event. Without information, uncertainties fuel the fear of the residents. Who knows what and who is exploiting it? Distrust triggers prejudice and another question emerges.... Is the real danger coming from inside or outside

Festivals
& Awards

Filmfest Munich 2023
Opening Film - New German Cinema
    • Year of production
    • 2023
    • Genres
    • Drama
    • Countries
    • GERMANY, BELGIUM
    • Languages
    • GERMAN, ENGLISH, FRENCH, RUSSIAN, ARABIC, TURKISH
    • Duration
    • 120 mn
    • Director(s)
    • Asli ÖZGE
    • Producer(s)
    • Daniel MANN (Zeitsprung Pictures)
    • Synopsis
    • Among the residents of a Berlin apartment house, Henrike finds herself stopped by the police at the courtyard exit. While she was heading to a job interview, she finds the entire street is closed off. Mr. Horn, an investor who recently acquired the majority of the flats, passes on the police's order: no one can enter or leave, and no further information is provided for security reasons. Forced to remain at home and wait, the cautious and quick-tempered teacher Erik seizes the opportunity to incite the neighbors against Mr. Horn. From the locked little café that leads to the street, Henrike observes a blue car being towed away, apparently owned by a young Iranian woman residing above her. Is she involved in illegal activities? As Henrike's thoughts spin, pondering the possibility of a terrorist cell, simmering conflicts between neighbors and Mr. Horn escalate. In this tense moment, the investor fuels the flames by discussing the building's lack of security and urging tenants to report any "dubious activities." As suspicion and panic take hold, prejudice deepens the rifts, and Henrike struggles to make sense of it all: Is the real danger coming from inside or outside?

      A pot-boiler about gentrification, prejudices and power play set in the microcosm of a Berlin apartment building. Directed by the multiple award-winning director of MEN ON THE BRIDGE, co-produced by Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne.