Germany 2025
Opening April 23, 2026

Directed: by Julia Roesler
Writing credits: Tina Kaiser, Silke Merzhäuser, Julia Roesler
Principal actors: Celina Scharff, Katharina Bromka, Michael Schumacher, Melanie Lux

Luisa (Celina Scharff) lives in a home for the disabled along with Anton, Alex, Tanja, Bärbel, Tobias, and several others.  Caregivers Otto, Lea, Fabian, Gisela, and Daniel are constantly on the watch to provide for their needs.  Every day the young people are picked up in a small bus, driven by Holger (Tim Porath) and taken to a large laundry, where they wash, dry, and fold clothing. This is their “job.” Suddenly Luisa no longer participates and lies in bed, feeling unwell. This turns out to be a pregnancy, which is not a surprise, considering the close interaction within the group. A “surprise” will be the identity of the child’s father. While Luisa attempts to cope, her friends have their own problems. Tanja is an only child, but her parents refuse to visit her in the home, from which she might have to move. Anton has trouble speaking and is sterile. They all watch TV together.

The film opens with the group standing in the rain, holding umbrellas and waiting for the bus, accompanied by the song “Perfect Rainy Day,” which is one of six songs supporting the film, all composed by Insa Rudolph. In the beginning, caregiver Otto brushes Luisa’s hair. In the end, she does this independently. The disabled people organize and celebrate Halloween and Christmas. Luisa “removes” the Christmas tree while Anton messes with the napkins. Policewoman Neubauer makes an appearance.  For ninety-four minutes we live alongside these young adults as they attempt to cope with disabilities. This is the first German film presented by a professional cast of ten actors with disabilities, as well as ten actors without these problems. Filmmakers Silke Merzhäuser and Julia Roesler spent many months visiting homes for the disabled in Germany. This is an excellent opportunity for us viewers to become acquainted with these, perhaps unfamiliar, German actors, who also improvise some of the scenes. Luisa won prizes at festivals in Hof, Braunschweig, and Ahrenshoop. (Becky T.)