EXPAT CINEMA is our monthly screening of a brand-new non-English arthouse film with English subtitles.

Refugee Franz makes the dangerous crossing from Africa to Europe. When he finally arrives in Berlin and starts a new life, he swears to do so as a good man. However, because of his status as an illegal refugee, this turns out to be practically impossible. Franz falls into the hands of drug dealers, is sucked into Berlin's underworld and his life spirals out of control.

Based on the book, written by Alfred Döblin (1929), Afghan-German director Burhan Qurbani gives a very nuanced view on how Berlin deals with immigrants. How the city unknowingly opens the door to a world full of drugs and crime, because Franz and other immigrants only have one goal: survival. Rainer Werner Rassbinder’s 1980 film adaptation was praised for its near-perfection, with his adaptation, Qurbani shows himself a gifted director.

PRESS

"Unimpeachable craft and performances — especially from rivetingly charismatic lead Welket Bungué." - Variety

"Berlin Alexanderplatz" is a grand and ambitious film." - Film Inquiry

Trailer