Directed by Pavel G. Vesnakov, drama, 100 min, eng subtitles, 16+
Written by Pavel G. Vesnakov
With Julian Vergov, Vasil Banov, Elena Telbis, Meglena Karalambova
Nikola is a middle-aged man with a lot of emotional baggage, a hot temper and a probation sentence to serve. His life seems to be a string of endless failures. He works as a driver but plans to immigrate to Germany where he wants to make a fresh start, away from the troubles of the past. Yet, in the last few hours before his departure, he thinks back over his life. Homesick and not confident about the future, he desperately tries to reconnect with his loved ones and even make up for missed chances. Nikola feels adrift in a sea of self-doubt and internal conflicts, between love and violence, and a desire to stay back and the need to leave. To such an extent that his actions become unpredictable.
German Lessons is a poetic and contemplative film with a story which touches upon local and universal existential issues. Director Pavel Vesnakov who is internationally recognised for his short films has a distinctive liking for characters living on the fringes of society, in challenging environments. His long-awaited feature debut is the culmination of his earlier artistic searching. This film is an intuitive study of a society in despair which nourishes a vague, escapist hope that prosperity is only possible abroad, out there in the so-called “normal” world.