KARLA

Germany, 1962: Twelve-year-old Karla courageously stands up to a world in which children are expected to remain silent. She defies the authority of her father, the silence of her family, and a society that would rather look away than listen. But Karla refuses to stay quiet—she speaks out, presses charges, and in doing so changes more than she ever thought possible. Inspired by a true court case, filmmaker Christina Tournatzés' feature film debut portrays a powerful courtroom drama in which a young girl accuses her own father of sexual abuse. In her first screen role, Elise Krieps delivers a deeply moving performance, marked by quiet strength and unwavering presence. Rainer Bock and Imogen Kogge add remarkable depth to the outstanding ensemble cast. Director Christina Tournatzés received the Förderpreis (Emerging Talent Award) at the Munich Film Festival 2025 for KARLA. Screenwriter Yvonne Görlach has received multiple awards for her screenplay. Having grown up close to the real victim, she spent more than ten years working alongside her to reconstruct the dramatic events on which the film is based.

Inspired by a true court case, filmmaker Christina Tournatzé outlines a stirring trial in her feature film debut in which a young girl accuses her own father of abuse.

Elise Krieps touches in her first role with quiet power and unwavering presence. Rainer Bock and Imogen Kogge reinforce the impressive ensemble with great depth. Director Christina Tournatzés won the promotional award at the 2025 Munich Film Festival with KARLA. Yvonne Görlach received multiple awards for her screenplay. She herself grew up around the actual victim and, together with her, had reconstructed the dramatic events for over ten years.

Film Discussion

Following the film screening, there will be a Q&A with actor Rainer Bock and producer Melanie Blocksdorf.

Film stills (top): ©Achtung Panda!_Florian Emmerich
Portrait photo (bottom): ©Pascal Bünning