Das deutsche Kind

The young prospective imam Cem Balta lives with his wife Sehra and their daughter Hanna in Hanover. As Muslims who have grown up in Germany and have a modern understanding of Islam, they feel well integrated into German society. But when Sehra’s best friend, the single mother Nicole, dies and names the Baltas as legal guardians for her daughter Pia in her will, their lives change dramatically over night. Sehra feels certain to be carrying out Nicole’s last wish by taking the little girl into their family. Cem has his doubts, but follows Sehra’s wishes since he too thinks Pia would be best off with them.

But the challenges with which Cem and Sehra are confronted when they take Pia in are much greater than expected. Suddenly, what were thought to be long lost prejudices, both German and Turkish, reappear. Values like faith, homeland and family come to the fore. The custody battle which follows threatens to tear the family apart.

Source: 51. Internationale Hofer Filmtage 2017