The Playmaker has acquired the international sales rights to Christina Tournatzés’ “Karla,” and will be screening the film at the Cannes Film Market on May 17. Variety debuts the trailer here.
Set in Munich in 1962, the film tells the true story of 12-year-old Karla, who presses charges against her father, seeking protection from his years of abuse. As she navigates the legal system, she forms a bond with Judge Lamy, who becomes her beacon of hope.
Karla’s reluctance to reveal the full extent of her suffering gradually forces Lamy to give her the freedom to tell her story on her terms, putting his own career at risk.
Lamy’s unconventional ruling reflects a moral imperative that transcends legal constraints and is “a poignant reflection on justice and empathy in the face of trauma,” according to a statement. The case pioneered a way of dealing with victims of child abuse that still serves as an exemplary model today.
The film, directed by Tournatzés and written by Yvonne Görlach, stars Elise Krieps, Rainer Bock (“The White Ribbon”), and Imogen Kogge (“The Zone of Interest”).
It is a German production from Achtung Panda!, in co-production with Studio.TV.Film GmbH and Bayerischer Rundfunk, and in collaboration with Arte, Pharos and Shoot’N’Post. It is supported by BKM, FFF Bayern, Hessen Film & Medien and DFFF. The German distributor is Eksystent Filmverleih.
“Karla” is the debut feature film from Tournatzés, who studied film and television directing at the Macromedia Academy for Media and Design. Her short film “Cargo” won several international awards, including best film at the 19th Reggio Film Festival.
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