Porzellan

Porcelain
On a remote German island, the inhabitants of a village gather to smash crockery as part of a traditional eve-of-wedding celebration. Ten-year-old Fina has been looking forward to this event for weeks, but the day takes an unexpected turn. While the guests immerse themselves in the excitement of the party, Fina struggles with traditional female roles and her longing for a female person of reference. Fina and her caring older sister only gradually realise how much their mother’s absence is affecting both their lives. They will need to support each other if they hope to make it through the difficult transition into adulthood.
Porzellan is a tender, timeless reflection on the coming-of-age of girls in a patriarchal society. Through Fina’s eyes, the film looks at female role models and the experiences and emotions which shape growing up across generations.
by Annika Birgel
with Nell Marie Haack, Liv Heleen Haack, Niklas Leifert
Germany 2024 German 16’ World premiere recommendation: 12 years and up

With

  • Nell Marie Haack (Fina)
  • Liv Heleen Haack (Elisabeth)
  • Niklas Leifert (Father)

Crew

Director Annika Birgel
Screenplay Annika Birgel, Rudolf Fitzgerald Leonard
Cinematography Lydia Richter
Editing Rudolf Fitzgerald Leonard
Music Sam Bower, Marie-Claire Schlameus
Sound Design Béla Brandes
Sound Johannes Maschmann
Production Design Sandra Wessberg
Costumes Anika Lara Metzroth
Producer Rudolf Fitzgerald Leonard

Annika Birgel

The director, screenwriter and producer lives in Berlin. Her award-winning short films screened at numerous international film festivals including the Quinzaine des Réalisateurs at Cannes, the Toronto International Film Festival and the Palm Springs International ShortFest. In 2023, she was selected for the impACT Lab of the Cannes Film Festival. She is currently developing her debut feature film.

Filmography

2019 023_Greta_S 2024 Porzellan

Bio- & filmography as of Berlinale 2024