A raw, revolutionary portrait of childhood trauma that will grab you by the heart and never let go - featuring an astonishing performance that announces Helena Zengel as one of cinema's greatest young talents.

Some films change you forever. SYSTEM CRASHER is one of those rare, vital pieces of cinema that demands to be experienced - a film of such emotional power and artistic brilliance that it leaves you transformed.

At its heart is nine-year-old Benni, a child of extraordinary complexity - wild, loving, dangerous and desperately in need of connection. Bouncing between foster homes and institutions, she's what social services call a "system crasher" - a child too volatile to be placed anywhere permanently.

Through documentary-maker Nora Fingscheidt's masterful lens, we witness Benni's journey with unflinching honesty and profound empathy. When anger management specialist Micha enters her life, a glimmer of hope appears.

But this isn't a film about easy answers - it's about understanding the raw humanity behind behaviors that society would rather look away from.

Helena Zengel delivers one of the most extraordinary child performances ever captured on film - a tour de force that ranges from explosive rage to heart-melting vulnerability.
Combined with kinetic cinematography and a pulsing score that puts us inside Benni's head, SYSTEM CRASHER creates an unforgettable portrait of childhood trauma that will stay with you long after viewing.

This is vital, urgent filmmaking that reminds us why cinema matters. Don't miss this Silver Bear-winning masterpiece that critics are calling "a searing portrait of a broken psyche" and "as raw as Ken Loach and as exhilarating as Run Lola Run."

Director Nora Fingscheidt has gone from strength to strength since SYSTEM CRASHER launched her career. Her latest film THE OUTRUN, starring Saoirse Ronan, is currently generating major awards buzz and box-office success.

But SYSTEM CRASHER remains her raw, revolutionary calling card - the film that announced a major filmmaker unafraid to tackle difficult subjects with extraordinary sensitivity and visual flair.

This is your chance to discover where it all began, and to experience the film that launched both Fingscheidt and her remarkable young star Helena Zengel (who went on to star opposite Tom Hanks in NEWS OF THE WORLD) onto the world stage.

PRESS QUOTES

"A tender and visceral film that leaves knots in your chest" - LITTLE WHITE LIES

"Extraordinary... watching their arc play out is as magnificent as it is ultimately harrowing" - LOLA ON FILM

"Helena Zengel delivers one of the most extraordinary child performances ever captured on film" - MARK KERMODE, THE OBSERVER

"A riveting story... often harrowing exploration of a social care system pushed to the brink" - SHADOWS ON THE WALL ★★★★½

"Guaranteed to capture your heart and rip it to shreds" - FILM INQUIRY

KEY CREW

Director: Nora Fingscheidt Writer: Nora Fingscheidt Producers: Peter Hartwig, Jakob Weydemann, Jonas Weydemann Cinematographer: Yunus Roy Imer Editor: Stephan Bechinger, Julia Kovalenko Production Companies: Kineo Filmproduktion, Weydemann Bros.