Favoriten

The master of documentary turns her attention to Favoriten, one of Vienna's most multicultural neighbourhoods. For three years, she follows the lives of a class of primary school children and their teacher Ilkay. More than half of the children in Vienna do not speak German as a first language and their families have experienced war and discrimination. Ilkay, with the simplest of tools, is determined to give the children a strong education and create an inclusive and safe environment. She gently but firmly accompanies the charismatic students through daily adventures, small victories and painful disappointments. A warm and inspiring film about teaching and learning, it reflects not only childhood but also the processes facing European societies today.