The forest for the trees

Synopsis

Bursting with idealism, Melanie Pröschle, a young teacher from the countryside, starts her first job at a high school in the city.

Desperate to fullfil her hopes, Melanie intends to do everything the right way. Politely she introduces herself to her neighbours with a homemade schnaps. At her first day of school she gives a very ambitious speech for her colleagues. She wants to be a “fresh breeze” to the school. But her old established colleagues are just annoyed by Melanies new teaching methods. Her weaknesses are quickly uncovered. A boy throws a chocolate drink at her.

It is not easy to start a new life. Loneliness appears as nobody has been waiting for her in the new town. But Melanie is not discouraged and gets in touch with her neighbour Tina. As Tina was recently left from her boyfriend, any distraction seemes to be good for her. But as Tina is the only person Melanie got to know she misses no opportunity to ring at Tinas bell with a homemade cake or to offer any kind of help.As her efforts become more and more urging, Tina begins to withdraw herself.Melanie starts to cross borderlines and entangles herself in a spiral of lies, fake hopes and self-abasement.

  • Special Jury Award at the Sundance Film Festival 2005
    World Dramatic Competition
  • Mediaprice Babelsberg for Best Film
    Best Film at Cologne Conference, section new talent films
  • WINNER: THE WORLD DRAMATIC JURY'S
    SPECIAL PRIZE - Sundance Filnmfestival 2005





DETAILS

Director:
Maren Ade
Producer:
Janine Jackowski
Production Year:
2003
Genre:
Drama
Length:
81 min.
Language:
German
Cast:

Eva Löbau
Daniela Holtz
Jan Neumann
Ilona C. Schultz
Robert Schupp
Heinz-Röser Dümming
Martina Eckrich
Nina Fiedler
Hans Rüdiger Kudich
Ruth Köppler
Volker Hirschle

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