A journey from Africa to Berlin turns into an unexpected journey from childhood to adulthood. The film centres around Arlette, a 15-year old girl from the Central African Republic who suffered severe injuries during the last war. In Berlin a surgery frees her from her year-long pain. This changes her both physically and mentally: suddenly Arlette is in her puberty. But then war breaks out again in her homeland. What was planned to be a short stay in Berlin turns into a journey without a foreseeable end. Alrette is forced to grow up and take her own decisions about her future. Stranded in Berlin the young girl faces the challenges of a foreign culture and a language she doesn't speak. This film is a long-term observation – told resolutely from the perspective of a young girl from the Central African Republic. And the viewer gets to see our everyday life through the genuine and honest eyes of Arlette.
Direction: Florian Hoffmann
Original Title: Arlette. Mut ist ein Muskel.
Original Languages: German, Sango
Subtitles: German
Film Production Countries: Germany, Switzerland