International Documentary Films
Germany, 2023, 110 min
Director:
Milena Aboyan
Language and Subtitles:
German, Subtitles in English and Hebrew
Cast:
Derya Dilber, Derya Durmaz, Emre Kubat, Bayan Layla
Production:
Producers:
Matthias Greving
Igor Dovgal
Executive Producers:
Kirsten Lukaczik
Festivals:
Berlinale, Crossing Europe Filmfestival, Calgary International FF
Prizes:
Elaha
Elaha is a young German of Kurdish origin. In a few weeks’ time, this 22-year-old is about to get married. As expected in her community, she must be a virgin bride. A secret from her past – a relationship with a German boyfriend – looms over her. While juggling college studies and backbreaking work in the launderette of her fiancé’s sister, Elaha is desperate to find a solution that will not break the rules and leave everyone happy. Precisely when she does find one, however, it raises difficult questions. Elaha is a sensitive movie that reveals the tension between wanting to integrate in society and dreaming of a different life.