One of Germany’s most respected auteurs, Fatih Akin shot to international fame documenting the Turkish-German experience in such modern classics as Head-On and The Edge of Heaven. He now assumes the role of producer for writer-turned-director Özgur Yildirim’s impressive Chiko, which Variety’s reviewer described as ‘a forceful Turkish-German Scarface set in Hamburg’s rough Dulsberg district.’

Street-smart Chiko (Denis Moschitto) and his quick-tempered friend Tibet (Volkan Özcan) yearn for money, power and respect. Chiko dreams of making it all the way to the top in the drugs trade and tries to prove himself to violent drug lord Brownie (Moritz Bleibtreu, having fun playing a psycho) by agreeing to sell a large amount of weed in a short time. Chiko’s new status threatens his friendship with Tibet, who sinks into a drug-fuelled anger and is bent on revenge.

Yildirim’s fascination with the day-to-day workings of the drug business gives the film a fierce veracity and makes it work as both a genre piece and social critique.

Tickets cost €12 and include a post screening reception.

Supported by the Patrons and Friends of the Goethe-Institut Irland
Enjoy Paulaner sensibly.