Foreign Language

This screening is the opening film of FOKUS: Films from Germany and will be introduced by season curator Camilla Baier. Foreign Language is a poignant coming-of-age drama about cross-cultural discovery. Fanny, a shy young French girl, embarks on a student exchange to Leipzig, where she stays with her eco-activist pen pal, Lena. As Fanny is drawn into the complexities of Lena’s politically charged family dynamics, she begins to question her own identity and assumptions. Director Claire Burger deconstructs the typical foreign exchange narrative, presenting not an idealised family, but one grappling with generational and political tensions. Through this, the film unveils the personal struggles and societal challenges beneath the surface, as Fanny and Lena navigate their differences and form an unexpected bond. As well as strong performances from the two leads, Nina Hoss and Chiara Mastroianni bring depth to the roles of the girls' mothers, capturing their struggles to uphold their ideals amid the unraveling of their family lives. With its exploration of language barriers, political tensions, and generational conflict, Foreign Language is a resonant meditation on the challenges facing young people today—climate anxiety, rising nationalism, and the search for belonging. It is a poignant reminder that true connection often transcends words, offering a narrative that speaks to the resilience needed to navigate our spiralling world. - FOKUS curator Camilla Baier Screening as part of Fokus: Films from Germany. French, German and English with English subtitles. ---- Year of Celebration Film - Donate £50 at checkout 2024 marks 85 years since our cinema (originally the Cosmo) was built, 50 years since GFT was founded and the 20th edition of Glasgow Film Festival. Whilst our box office and bar sales only cover around 50% of our annual costs and help keep the film reels rolling, we rely on donations and fundraising to run our education and community activities. We need your help! Celebrate 50 years of GFT by donating £50 at checkout. A £50 donation also secures your seat at our special January screening. Find out more or donate HERE. Your contribution matters.DramaPT1H45MN/C 12+2025-01-21

Lilith Grasmug

Josefa Heinsius

Nina Hoss

Claire Burger

Foreign Language"Foreign Language"

Showtimes

January 21, 8:00 pm