Rabiye Kurnaz gegen George W. Bush
(Rabiye Kurnaz vs. George W. Bush)
by Andreas Dresen
Western Germany 2022, 113’
Starring Meltem Kaptan, Alexander Scheer, Charly Hübner, Nazmî Kirik
Original version with Italian subtitles. Free entry.
Rabiye Kurnaz, a Turkish-German mother, sees her life turned upside down when her son Murat is wrongfully arrested and imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay. Determined to seek justice, Rabiye teams up with lawyer Bernhard Docke to take on a battle that will lead them all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The film skillfully blends dramatic tones with moments of humor, never downplaying the gravity of the political injustices at play. Based on an incredible true story that is both moving and unsettling, the film won two Silver Bears at the 2022 Berlin Film Festival for Best Screenplay and Best Actress.
La Deutsche Vita: A Journey Through German Cinema
This year, the film series celebrates the 80th anniversary of Rainer Werner Fassbinder, a pioneer of New German Cinema. His fearless storytelling exposed societal hypocrisy, power dynamics, and human contradictions. A tribute screening of Mother Küsters Goes to Heaven highlights themes of class, family, and postwar struggles. The program also explores memory, war, justice, and women’s roles, with motherhood symbolizing resilience amid today’s crises.
In Collaboration With:
Città di Palermo – Assessorato alla Cultura
Centro Evangelico di Cultura Giacomo Bonelli
Sicilia Queer Filmfest
