Movie recommendations 2024
What does the IDM team recommend you to watch during the holidays?
Looking for a new cinematic adventure? Whether you’re drawn to political thrillers, heartfelt dramas, or groundbreaking animations, the holiday season is the perfect time to explore the rich cultural tapestry of Central Europe and the Danube Region.
This year, why not dive into movies and series that not only entertain but also tell powerful stories about history, resilience and humanity? From celebrated classics to contemporary gems, our team has curated a selection of must-watch titles that will keep you inspired and engaged during the winter break.
Sebastian Schäffer, Director
Weissensee (White Lake)
Now that “Ostalgia” (nostalgia for the German Democratic Republic, which was everything but democratic) has been replaced by a tendency to compare present-day Germany with the former socialist state, it is time for a refresher on what life was really like in East Germany. The series, Weissensee (“White Lake”) unfolds in East Berlin between 1980 and 1990, weaving the intertwined stories of two families against the backdrop of a pivotal era in history.
Daniela Apaydin
Véletlenül írtam egy könyvet (I Accidentally Wrote a Book)
This recommendation does not come from me, but from Tallinn, where Nóra Lakos’ coming-of-age film, I Accidentally Wrote a Book, recently won an award for Best Film at the international film festival Tallinn Black Nights Just Film. This Dutch-Hungarian production is based on the popular book How Did I Accidentally Write a Book? by Annet Huizing and is set to be released in Hungarian cinemas in mid-January. The film follows a girl who discovers the power of writing as she struggles with the loss of her mother. Despite its sad theme, it promises to be humorous and entertaining for the entire family, offering a unique atmosphere and beautiful imagery.
Sophia Beiter
Das Leben der Anderen (The Lives of Others)
More from the former East Germany: The Lives of Others is an Oscar-winning political thriller from 2006 about life under the Stasi. It follows a loyal agent of the secret police who undergoes a profound change when tasked with spying on a playwright and his lover. The film depicts the power of art as resistance, the impact of authoritarianism, and the complexity of human conscience.
Kamila Bogdanova
Ms. President (Prezidentka)
The documentary Ms. President, directed by Marek Šulík, offers an insightful look into the presidency of Zuzana Čaputová, Slovakia’s first female president. It authentically portrays her political challenges, personal sacrifices, and the exhaustion that led to her decision not to seek a second term. Awarded the main prize in the international section at the Ji.hlava festival, the film is a valuable reflection on contemporary political culture and the personal courage of Zuzana Čaputová.
Daniel Martínek
Vlny (Waves)
I thought it would be just another failed attempt of Czech film producers to interpret historical material. However, when I heard that the movie was nominated by the Czechia for Oscar as a candidate for the best international film in 2025, I had to watch it. The film shows that in the crucial times of Czech/Czechoslovak modern history, there are still forgotten stories that are worth paying attention to. The focus of Vlny is the international editorial staff of Czechoslovak Radio, which not only strives for honest journalistic work, at the centre of which is and must be the truth, but which has become the embodiment of extraordinary heroism in the face of an oppressive regime.
Hanna Obermüller
The Swimmers
The film is a biographical sports drama from 2022, presented as a heartfelt and uplifting narrative centred around the journey of two teenage girls fleeing from Syria with the dream of becoming professional swimmers. The hardships they faced while traveling to and through Europe is greatly illustrated, painting a vivid picture of the challenges and dangers they encountered on their journey. The film also shows the living conditions and challenges they faced upon arriving in Germany. It made me reflect on the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of empathy and support for those in need.
Malwina Talik
Infamia (Infamy)
Infamia tells the story of a teenage Roma girl who, after spending years in the UK, returns to Poland to live with her relatives. The main protagonist wants to be a rap singer and win the acceptance of her peers. Her relatives have other plans for her. The series provides an insightful look into the Roma community, portraying a range of lifestyles, from those adhering to strict traditional values to others who wish to remain within the community while living on their own terms, but also those who leave it and cut off the contact completely. It also highlights the discrimination faced by the Roma, from covert prejudice or malicious comments to overt violence. The series is accompanied by beautiful music, blending traditional and modern sounds. An interesting fact: Joanna Talewicz, a member of IDM’s International Council, served as a consultant on Roma culture for this Netflix series, which was selected as the best Polish series of 2024.
Péter Techet
Favoriten
Favoriten is one of the most multicultural districts in Vienna and is often cited in right-wing populist discourse as an example of “parallel societies” and “failed integration.” Historically, this working-class district has always been multiethnic: during the Habsburg monarchy, for example, one-third of its population was Czech.
The film “Favoriten” does not aim to contribute another argument to the debates about multiculturalism, immigration, and so on. Instead, it focuses on a typical school class composed of children from diverse countries and cultural backgrounds. While life in Favoriten is often challenging – particularly for “foreigners”, who face both social and racial disadvantages – the documentary film depicts how children, their parents and teachers strive to overcome these challenges together. Through her work, director Ruth Beckermann gives a voice to those who are largely unheard in the “grand debates” about Favoriten. The film neither aims to be optimistic nor pessimistic; it simply captures the beautiful as well as the difficult moments in this district. By adopting a grassroots perspective, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of how integration is particularly challenging for those who sincerely strive for it but are continually confronted with accusations of “failure”.
Rebecca Thorne
Broad Peak
This is a film of superlatives. At more than 8000 metres above sea level, Broad Peak is one of the tallest mountains in the world. And the very first man to climb it in winter was the Polish mountaineer Maciej Berbeka.
But his journey to the summit was incomplete.
A quarter of a century later, Berbeka returns for a second attempt. But what is the price of success? Or should we rather be asking, what is success?
Júlia Mits
Fekete Pont (Lesson Learned)
The film won awards at the Locarno International Film Festival. It portrays archaic school methods and pointless rules through Juci, a rebellious teacher, and Palkó, a student from Berlin. “Fekete pont” is a powerful story about challenging outdated systems and embracing individuality in a rigid environment. Its themes of rebellion and change resonate with the struggles of the region, making it a thought-provoking, inspiring reflection on societal transformation.
