sedona news – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “The Teacher’s Lounge” at the Alice Gil Sheldon Theater from February 9th to 15th.

“The Teacher's Lounge'' was nominated for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film (Germany).

An idealistic junior high school teacher who defends a student accused of theft becomes embroiled in conflict when he himself becomes a target of theft.

Karla Nowak is a young teacher eager for her first job at a German middle school. Her relaxed relationship with her Year 7 students was put under stress after a series of thefts occurred at the school, and a high-pressure investigation by staff led to angry parents, opinionated colleagues, and angry parents. Condemnation and mistrust arose among the students.

Caught between these complex power relations, Kara attempts to mediate, but in the process comes face to face with the structure and politics of the system. The more she tries to do everything right, the more hopeless her position becomes.

With The Teacher's Lounge, award-winning director Ilker Çatak has created an uncompromising and nuanced film about educational institutions as microcosms of society. Leonie Benes, playing the role of a devoted young teacher, creates an intense atmosphere with her captivating performance as an idealist caught between opposing sides.

“The Teacher's Lounge” is a fascinating study of power relations, with themes of truth, justice, racism, respect, cancel culture, and children's rights, and how individuals are worn down between entrenched positions. It shows what you are doing.

“The Teacher's Lounge” will be performed at the Alice Gill Sheldon Theater from February 9th to 15th. Showtimes are Friday, Saturday, and Monday, February 9th, 10th, and 12th at 3:30 p.m.and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, February 13, 14, and 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $12, or $9 for film festival members. For tickets or more information, call 928-282-1177. Both theater and festival offices are located at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, West Sedona. See below for more information. www.SedonaFilmFestival.org.