Short Films

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Young Masters

PATERNAL LEAVE

• Director: Alissa Jung
• GERMANY, ITALY / 2025 / DCP / Colour / 113’ / English, German, Italian; Turkish, English s.t.

• Screenplay: Alissa Jung
• Director of Photography: Carolina Steinbrecher
• Editing: Heike Parplies, David Maria Vogel
• Cast: Juli Grabenhenrich, Luca Marinelli, Arturo Gabbriellini, Joy Falletti Cardillo, Gaia Rinaldi
• Producer: Cécile Tollu-Polonowski, Viola Fügen, Michael Weber, Sonia Rovai
• Production Co.: The Match Factory, Wildside
• World Sales: The Match Factory

Fifteen-year-old Leo grew up in Germany without a father. When she discovers his identity, she immediately sets out to find him. Her search leads her to a boarded-up beach bar on Italy’s wintry coast where she finally meets him: Paolo. Paolo is overwhelmed and conflicted. As they spend time together, Leo and Paolo try to bond, discovering that they have much in common. Inevitably, reality catches up with them, and tensions rise. This is the debut feature film by director Alissa Jung who studied medicine, practiced paediatrics, and studied screenwriting. Paternal Leave had its world premiere at the Berlinale within the Generation 14plus section.

Screened with the support of German Films.

Screened with the support of Goethe Istanbul.

* In accordance with Article 7 of the Law No. 5224 amended on 18.01.2019, cinema films that have not been reviewed and classified can only be screened in festivals, special screenings and similar cultural and artistic events with an 18+ age restriction.

This film was a Meetings on the Bridge participant.