French
DeutschThe Moelln Letters
| The Moelln Letters | |
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| German | Die Möllner Briefe |
| Directed by | Martina Priessner |
| Written by | Martina Priessner |
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| Edited by |
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| Music by | Derya Yıldırım |
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Running time | 96 minutes |
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The Moelln Letters (German: Die Möllner Briefe) is a 2025 documentary film written and directed by Martina Priessner. The film follows İbrahim Arslan and his family in their struggle to foster a new, victim-centred culture of remembrance as thirty years after the racist attacks in Mölln, survivors discovers hundreds of forgotten letters of solidarity.[1]
The film was showcased as part of the Panorama at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival on 14 February 2025,[2] where it won Panorama Audience Award for best Documentary.[3]
Background
[edit]In November 1992, a racist arson attack in Mölln, Germany, claimed the lives of İbrahim Arslan’s sister, cousin, and grandmother. At seven, İbrahim survived but endured lasting trauma. Decades later, forgotten letters of support resurface, prompting his journey of rediscovery. This film explores the enduring impact on İbrahim and his siblings, highlighting his fight against racism and for victim-centered remembrance. Through reconnecting with letter writers, it uncovers unseen solidarity and advocates for a remembrance culture that amplifies survivors' voices.
Content
[edit]Survivor İbrahim Arslan discovers long-forgotten solidarity letters from a racially motivated attack in Mölln. The film follows his quest to find the writers, uncover the letters' disappearance, and examine Germany's remembrance culture.
Cast
[edit]- Havva Arslan
- Ibrahim Arslan
- Namik Arslan
- Yeliz Burhan
Production
[edit]The Moelln Letters written and directed by Martina Priessner is produced by G inselfilm produktion with the support of BKM and Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg. The international sales are handled by New Docs.[4]
Principal photography began on 30 May 2023 at location in Berlin, and North Germany. Filming ended on 30 November 2023 in locations in North Germany.[5]
Release
[edit]The Moelln Letters had its World premiere in the Panorama section of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival on 14 February 2025.[6][7]
The film will have its International premiere at the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival in March 2025 in the Open Horizons section.[8]
The German theatrical release is scheduled for early autumn 2025 by Real Fiction.[4]
Accolades
[edit]| Award | Date | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin International Film Festival | 23 February 2025 | Panorama Audience Award for Best Documentary Film | Martina Priessner | Won | [9][10] |
| Amnesty International Film Award | The Moelln Letters | Won |
References
[edit]- ^ "Die Möllner Briefe" [The Moelln Letters]. inselfilm produktion GmbH (in German). 28 January 2025. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
- ^ Vassilis Economou (16 January 2025). "Diverse perspectives and limitless creativity abound in the Berlinale Panorama". Cineuropa. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
- ^ Frost, Caroline (22 February 2025). "Berlinale 2025: Panorama Awards Winners Are 'Sorda' And 'The Möllner Letters'". Deadline Hollywood.
- ^ a b Abbatescianni, Davide (23 January 2025). "EXCLUSIVE: Poster for Berlinale Panorama title The Moelln Letters". Cineuropa. Retrieved 28 January 2025.
- ^ "The Moelln Letters, Documentary Feature, 2022-2025, Germany". Crew United. 5 December 2024. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
- ^ Dalton, Ben (16 January 2025). "Berlinale reveals Special, Panorama, Generation and Forum titles". ScreenDaily. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
- ^ "The Moelln Letters". Berlinale. 4 February 2025. Retrieved 5 February 2025.
- ^ Economou, Vassilis (20 February 2025). "EXCLUSIVE: The 27th Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival unveils its non-competitive premieres". Cineuropa. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
- ^ Ntim, Zac (30 January 2025). "Justin Kurzel Series 'The Narrow Road To The Deep North' Starring Jacob Elordi Among Titles Added To Berlinale Lineup". Deadline. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
- ^ Peter Debruge (22 February 2025). "'Dreams (Sex Love)' Wins the Berlin Film Festival, While 'The Blue Trail' Earns Grand Jury Prize". Variety. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
External links
[edit]- The Moelln Letters at IMDb
- The Moelln Letters at Rotten Tomatoes
- The Moelln Letters at Berlinale
- The Moelln Letters at New Docs
- The Moelln Letters at Documentation Centre and Museum on Migration in Germany in German
