Martin liest den Koran - Kinostart

In the organizer's words:

With his debut film, the young Berlin director, screenwriter and producer Jurijs Saule presents an intense chamber drama that confronts the viewer with pressing questions about faith, radicalization and the meaning of words. The film, which is carried by an impressive acting performance by Ulrich Tukur and Zejhun Demirov, invites the audience on an emotional rollercoaster ride and leaves a lasting impression. The idea for the screenplay came from Michail Lurje, with whom Saule co-wrote the final version. The two were awarded the German Screenplay Award in 2022 for their work.

An unexpected encounter: The plot

"Martin reads the Koran" tells the story of a 35-year-old father with Iranian roots named Martin, who has only recently begun to study the Koran. Driven by the search for answers and a deep inner conflict, he visits Professor Neuweiser, a respected expert in Islamic studies. What begins as a supposedly harmless conversation about religion, morality and the limits of faith quickly develops into a nerve-wracking test of strength.

Martin reveals to the professor that he has prepared a terrorist attack this morning. He is convinced that the violence he is planning is in line with the teachings of the Koran. A race against time begins for Professor Neuweiser: can he convince Martin that the Koran clearly forbids violence? Or will he fail and have to allow the bomb to fulfill its purpose and kill innocent people?

Jurijs Saule: The master of the psychological thriller

With "Martin Reads the Koran", director Jurijs Saule proves his ability to deal with profound social issues in a minimalist setting. Precise staging, paired with Arsenij Gusev's unusual camera work and a feel for human abysses, Saule creates a dense atmosphere in which the audience experiences the tension between the two protagonists at first hand.

Saule succeeds in staging the intimate play not only as a political thriller, but also as a philosophical reflection on the causes of radicalization and the possibilities of reconciliation. He keeps the tension high until the very last moment and deliberately leaves it open as to what is truth and what is deception.

About Jurijs Saule: Jurijs Saule comes from a Jewish-Russian family and was born in Latvia in 1985. He studied Slavic languages and literature as well as mathematics (MA) at the Humboldt University of Berlin. Jurijs Saule is a member of the German Film Academy.

An impressive cast

Ulrich Tukur, who shines in the role of Professor Neuweiser, and Zejhun Demirov as the complex Martin deliver a brilliant performance. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable and reinforces the emotional impact of the film. Demirov, who embodies the inwardly torn family man, impresses with his ability to switch between menace and vulnerability and thus captivate the audience.

A movie that makes you think

"Martin reads the Koran" is more than just a thriller - it is a film that raises urgent questions: How do hatred and radicalization arise? Can words save lives? And how far does the responsibility of the individual go when dealing with the most powerful texts of mankind?

The film leaves no easy answers and does not let the viewer go so quickly. It deliberately dispenses with the conventions of art cinema and creates space for depth that invites reflection - without being tendentious. The tension that develops through the dialogical confrontation between Martin and Professor Neuweiser is maintained until the very last minute and culminates in an unexpected finale.

With "Martin Reads the Koran", Jurijs Saule proves his talent for placing current social issues in a cinematic context that challenges and deeply touches the viewer. Supported by an outstanding cast, the film is a must-see for anyone who wants to engage with the controversial issues of our time.

This content has been machine translated.