DIRECTOR/SCREENPLAY: Nora Fingscheidt
PRODUCERS: Peter Hartwig, Jonas Weydemann, Jakob D Weydemann
PRODUCTION CO: Kineo Filmproduktion, Weydemann Bros, Oma Inge Film
PHOTOGRAPHY: Yunus Roy Imer
EDITORS: Stephen Bechinger, Julia Kovalenko
MUSIC: John Gürtler
WITH: Helena Zengel (Benni), Albrecht Schuch (Michael Heller), Gabriela Maria Schmeide (Mrs Bafané), Lisa Hagmeister (Bianca Klaass), Melanie Straub (Dr Schönemann), Victoria Trauttmansdorff (Silvia, foster mother), Maryam Zaree (Elli Heller), Tedros Teclebrhan (Robert, teacher)

AWARDS: Silver Bear, Berlin 2019

REVIEWS

“German filmmaker Nora Fingscheidt shows a documentarian’s forensic eye in her first narrative feature… System Crasher delivers a powerful exposé of the limitations of the foster system. And with its impressive young star to the fore, it is heartbreakingly intimate.” 

— Hanna Flint, Time Out

“An intensive drama about a pre-pubescent girl who actually crashes Germany’s child and welfare system whilst on her quest for love and security… When neon pink flashing images flood the screen, it’s a sign that nine-year-old Benni has lost all control. She screams, swears, hits out and spits. Though she can be extremely violent, the traumatised girl is also lovable, understanding, vulnerable and very smart. Tossed from one foster home to the next, she dreams of nothing more than being reunited with her overstrained mother. Nora Fingscheidt has created a deeply moving portrait of the vulnerability of childhood, asking where Benni belongs, who can help her and how she can be supported. Through the commitment of an excellent cast and with its powerful narrative of a young girl who has lost her place in society, Fingscheidt challenges conventional attitudes towards innocence, systems of support and, ultimately, the role of the welfare state.”

— Juliane Grieb, London Film Festival 2019

FILM SOCIETY SCREENINGS

Wellington     
Monday, 10 May, 6:15pm
 
Auckland     
Monday, 17 May, 6:15pm

Hamilton     
Monday, 24 May, 7:30pm

Whanganui     
Monday, 31 May, 7:00pm

New Plymouth    
Wednesday, 9 June, 6:00pm

Palmerston North     
Wednesday, 16 June, 6:00pm

Nelson     
Tuesday, 22 June, 6:00pm

Queenstown    
Tuesday, 29 June, 8:15pm

​*Non-members welcome by donation (notes only please)
See more GERMAN CINEMA >> 
German Cinema selection presented in
​co-operation with the Goethe-Institut