The Audition | Das Vorspiel

Carmel International Competition

  • Archive - Festival 36
  • Director: Ina Weisse
  • Germany, France 2019
  • 99 minutes
  • German, French
  • Subtitles in Hebrew

Anna is a violin teacher at a high school for musicians in Berlin. At the school's annual entrance exam, and despite the opposition of the other teachers, she promotes the admission of Alexander, a boy in whom she detects a remarkable talent. Anna is determined to cultivate excellence in her pupil for an upcoming audition, and this shift away from her family does not go unnoticed by her husband Philippe and son Jonas. A rivalry for Anna's affection emerges, with a shocking resolution.

Nina Hoss is note-perfect in the solo role of Anna. The story, centering on an off-kilter rapport between a demanding music teacher and a gifted student, offers shades of Whiplash and The Piano Teacher, but filmmaker Ina Weisse puts her own, distinctive spin on the gripping drama.

Filmography: The Architect (2008).

 

Video talk with the director


  • Director Ina Weisse
  • Production Felix Von Boehm
  • Script Ina Weisse, Daphné Charizani
  • Cinematography Judith Kaufmann
  • Editing Hansjörg Weißbrich
  • Festivals Toronto, San Sebastian (Best Actress Award), Stockholm (Best Actress Award)
  • Actors Nina Hoss, Simon Abkarian, Ilja Monti, Serafin Mishiev, Jens Albinus
  • Source Les Films du Losange, Paris