German Currents Kino: 'Winners'

Soleen Yusef’s award-winning film "Winners" is presented as part of German Currents Kino San Diego, a partnership between the Goethe-Institut, emago media, and the Digital Gym Cinema,and with the support of "Among Friends" – "Unter Freuden", a campaign of the Goethe-Institut USA to celebrate and strengthen transatlantic friendship.

The first day at a new school can be tough for any kid, but for 11-year-old Mona it’s downright chaotic. She and her Kurdish family have fled their home in Syria and ended up in Germany in search of a better life, but Mona is having a hard time fitting in. She’s still learning German and misses her hometown and playing soccer with her friends. Chaos is the order of the day at her new school, where most of the teachers are worn to a frazzle and the students are just as frustrated with their teachers.

When Mr. Che, the coach of the girls’ soccer team sees Mona’s soccer skills, he puts her on the team. Although they are training for an upcoming tournament for all of Berlin’s schools, the team is anything but harmonious. Mona is singled-out and is blamed for the team’s troubles. With the tournament quickly approaching, they realize that if they want to win, they must stop fighting, treat each other as equals, and learn the true meaning of teamwork. Winner of the 2024 German Film Award for Best Children’s Film, Yusuf’s second feature is an inspirational, fast-paced coming-of-age film with a fresh, young perspective on the importance of family, friendship, and belonging.

These screenings are presented at the Digital Gym as part of German Currents Kino San Diego, and with the support of "Among Friends" – "Unter Freuden" a campaign of the Goethe-Institut USA to celebrate and strengthen transatlantic friendship.

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