# German Women Directors Showcase in Brasília Award-winning films by German female directors are screened for free in Brasília. - **Source:** [Agência Brasil](https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/decfd8b6-218f-4877-a4d3-f0f786d02f9c ## Free Cinematic Showcase The 'Elas Dirigem' film festival brings five award-winning German films to Brasília. Screenings take place at Sesc Estação 504 Sul, starting September 10 and running until November 14. All sessions are free to the public, offering a unique opportunity to engage with contemporary German cinema through the lens of female directors. ## Institutional Collaborative Effort This cultural initiative is a joint effort between the German Embassy in Brazil, the Goethe-Institut, and Sesc-DF. By curating works from both established filmmakers and emerging talents, the organizers aim to highlight diverse narratives. The program emphasizes the growing influence of women in the German film industry on the global stage. ## Spotlight on Christina Tournatzés A key highlight is the film 'Karla', directed by Christina Tournatzés, which earned directing and screenplay honors at the 2025 Munich New German Cinema Festival. The narrative focuses on a twelve-year-old girl who leaves home to report her father for sexual abuse, showcasing a powerful and challenging story based on real-life experiences. ## Debut of Milena Aboyan The festival features 'Elaha', the debut feature film by director Milena Aboyan. The story follows a twenty-two-year-old German-Kurdish woman questioning cultural traditions and personal autonomy while preparing for her wedding. Originally a graduation project, the film has already garnered significant recognition, including the audience award at the Lichter Filmfest Frankfurt event. ## Diverse Director Lineup The showcase features a total of five directors, including Natja Brunckhorst, Constanze Klaue, and Sonja Heiss alongside Tournatzés and Aboyan. This selection provides a broad spectrum of storytelling styles, ranging from established industry veterans to fresh voices. Each director brings a distinct perspective to the complexities of modern life in Germany today. ## Thematic Narrative Focus Many of the selected films explore intense personal and social themes, such as family dynamics, cultural identity, and individual rights. By presenting these stories in Brasília, the festival fosters a cross-cultural dialogue between German filmmakers and Brazilian audiences. These narratives challenge viewers to reflect on universal issues through specific cultural contexts. ## Cultural Exchange Significance Hosting such events strengthens the diplomatic and cultural ties between Germany and Brazil. By providing free access to high-quality international cinema, the organizers lower barriers to cultural consumption. This initiative serves as a platform for international filmmakers to reach new audiences while promoting gender representation within the global film industry. ## Future Cultural Impact The 'Elas Dirigem' showcase reflects a broader trend of highlighting female-led productions in international festivals. As these films gain traction in Brazil, they contribute to a deeper understanding of German social issues. Audiences in Brasília have until November 14 to participate in these screenings and engage with the featured cinematic works. ## Sources covering this story - https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/cultura/noticia/2026-11/mostra-elas-dirigem-leva-filmes-premiados-do-cinema-alemao-ao-df — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._