CHASING HOPE: PREMIERES IN BERLIN AND MUNICH
PREMIERE IN BERLIN
With a sold-out theater, “CHASING HOPE – The Other Perspective” celebrated its Berlin premiere at Moviemento on October 27. Before the film, distributor Stephan Winkler welcomed director Sandra Kaudelka and protagonist Johannes Müller. Following the screening, a lively audience discussion moderated by Irina Bondas ensued, covering conflict photography, the responsibility of looking, the psychological consequences of working in war zones—and whether images actually bring about change.
Kaudelka recounted how a trip to war-torn Sarajevo sparked her interest in crisis journalism. Years later, she came across a profile of Müller, who works as a communications manager and spends his free time as a conflict photographer. His unusual life story served as the inspiration for the film.
The conversation took a particularly personal turn when Müller spoke about the psychological strain of his work and his experiences during the battles for Mosul. He also talked about his trauma therapy and emphasized how important it is to seek professional help. When asked what impact his images can have, he replied, “If, after an exhibition or a film, even just one person walks out and says, ‘I want to do something’—then it was worth it.”
Munich Premiere on October 28
Today, October 28, at 6:30 p.m., the film will be shown at the Monopol Kino in Munich. Sandra Kaudelka and Johannes Müller will be there in person.
“CHASING HOPE – A Different Perspective” opens nationwide in theaters on November 12, 2026. To mark the film's release, the director and the protagonist will attend select screenings as part of a theater tour featuring post-screening discussions.
You can find additional showtimes on the W-FILM website or directly at the theaters.
Fotocredit: © W-FILM / Harald Fuhr
PREMIERE IN MUNICH
Following its sold-out Berlin premiere on October 27, “CHASING HOPE” continued its successful run on October 28 in Munich: The screening at the Monopol Kino was also sold out. Director Sandra Kaudelka and lead actor Johannes Müller were in attendance. During the subsequent film discussion, moderated by Daniel Fürg, there was a special surprise guest: Afshin David one of the film’s protagonists.
Together, they discussed the people portrayed in the film and the realities of their lives. Representatives of Munich’s Kurdish community were also among the guests. The evening provided an opportunity to exchange views on the perspectives the film opens up.
Tina Hanke from Monopol Kino was also pleased with the large turnout. The theater will include the film in its lineup when it opens nationwide.
The two sold-out premieres demonstrate the interest in “CHASING HOPE” and the stories behind the news images. The film follows war photographer Johannes Müller as he encounters people in the Autonomous Region of Kurdistan, focusing on those whose daily lives are marked by insecurity, displacement, and the struggle for self-determination.
“CHASING HOPE” opens nationwide in theaters on November 12, 2026. To mark the film’s release, the director and the protagonist will attend select screenings on a theater tour, where they will participate in post-screening discussions.
You can find additional dates on the website of W-FILM or directly at the movie theaters.
