Special
An evening with director Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay

Hysteria (2025)

Tickets vr 29 mei
vr 29 mei
19:00 EN subsQ&A
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Hoezo in KINO

On May 29, KINO hosts a special screening of Hysteria (2025), followed by a conversation with writer & director Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay. Premiering at the Berlin International Film Festival of last year, Hysteria is a tense, layered thriller that explores themes of prejudice, identity, and the representation of ‘the Other’ in western media. The film combines suspense with sharp social commentary, challenging dominant narratives while keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

We are bringing Hysteria to Dutch cinemas, as we believe the film challenges dominant narratives and brings forward important, often overlooked perspectives on “migrant stories.” It deserves to be seen on the big screen. Don’t miss this exclusive one-night event in Rotterdam, with the director present for a conversation after the screening.

The film will also screen at Eye Filmmuseum, De Filmhallen, Rialto De Pijp, Rialto VU, Lumière Maastricht, Forum Groningen, Louis Hartlooper Complex Utrecht, Focus Arnhem, and Chassé Breda.
This evening is made possible with support from the Goethe-Institut Amsterdam.

Credits

Regie
Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay
Cast
Devrim Lingnau, Mehdi Meskar, Serkan Kaya, Nicolette Krebitz, Aziz Çapkurt, Nazmi Kırık
Genre
Political thriller
Speelduur
104 minutes
Land
Germany
Taal
German, Turkish, Kurdish, Arabic, English
Ondertiteling
English

Storyline

When a burned Quran is found on a film set, the shoot takes a dark turn and the crew is thrown into turmoil. Caught in the crossfire of accusations, 24-year-old intern Elif is drawn into a dangerous game of secrets and lies, finding herself at the heart of an all-absorbing conspiracy.

 

About the writer & director
Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay is a fresh new voice in contemporary German cinema. Hysteria marks his second feature. His debut, Oray, received the prestigious Best First Feature Award at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2019. In addition to his work as a director, Büyükatalay is an accomplished writer and producer. He co-wrote and produced Cem Kaya’s documentary Love, Deutschmarks & Death, which screened at KINO last year outside of traditional distribution channels. Most recently, he co-produced the Belgian documentary 2m² by Volkan Üce, which premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in February of 2026.