Mr Bachmann and His Class

Maria Speth’s intimate, utterly absorbing documentary is a joyful cinematic experience, exploring the bond between an inspirational teacher and his students. Herr Bachmann is a charismatic, unflappable, scruffily dressed 64-year-old, clearly held in esteem and affection by his class of young teenagers in the small German industrial town of Stadtallendorf. They all come from very mixed ethnic backgrounds with varying degrees of confidence and ability. The film patiently reveals his unconventional methods in long and fascinating classroom scenes as the dynamics of the group gradually reveal themselves.

‘I think what the film does show is how extraordinarily important schools are as a meeting place. Their purpose isn’t just to impart knowledge but to be a social space. That’s a focus in this film because Herr Bachmann basically turns his classroom into a kind of living room where – and I think this is extremely important – the kids feel at home. It’s a place of trust, of safety, where they are seen and where they can show who they are as individuals, as people. That’s what the film is about.’

Director Maria Speth, from an interview with Hollywood Reporter.