From today, Thursday 7 November 2024, ‘Martin reads the Quran’ (German title: “Martin liest den Koran“) can be seen in cinemas across Germany. The film, in which Ulrich Tukur plays one of the leading roles, addresses current issues such as identity, radicalisation and cultural tensions. Ulrich Tukur gives the film a strong and thoughtful depth with his intense portrayal of an Islamic scholar who engages in a profound dialogue.
Ulrich Tukur plays Professor Dr Neuweiser, a respected scholar of Islam who accompanies the 35-year-old protagonist Martin Harirat (played by Zejhun Demirov) in his search for answers. Martin, a family man with Iranian roots, studies the Koran and in doing so experiences an inner conflict that increasingly challenges him. Their encounters lead them into conversations about faith, culture and personal convictions, in which neither side has any easy answers.
Ulrich Tukur, who became internationally known through films such as ‘The Lives of Others’ and ‘John Rabe’, brings all his experience and expressiveness to the role, showing himself to be an intellectually challenging but empathetic conversation partner.
A powerful dialogue partner
Ulrich Tukur is one of Germany’s most renowned actors for his ability to portray multi-layered and complex characters. In ‘Martin liest den Koran’ he gives Professor Neuweiser a particularly nuanced presence, which oscillates between academic distance and human openness. The film addresses social tensions and the need for exchange and understanding, relying heavily on Ulrich Tukur‘s acting skills. His character, the professor, shows a man who is confronted with questions that also test his own convictions, allowing the audience to feel the tension and depth of this encounter.
A film for exploring current issues
‘Martin liest den Koran’ was directed by Latvian filmmaker Jurijs Saule. The script, written by Jurijs Saule together with Michail Lurje, won the German Screenplay Award in 2022. It avoids simple explanations and instead invites deep reflection on integration, religion and the value of dialogue. The dialogues between Martin and Professor Neuweiser provide striking insights into cultural tensions and the challenges people face in a multicultural society.
Following its premiere in Berlin, which took place on Wednesday, 6 February 2024 at the Babylon cinema in Berlin Mitte, ‘Martin reads the Quran’ starts in cinemas across Germany today. The film challenges viewers to engage with the topics discussed in the dialogues between Ulrich Tukur and Zejhun Demirov, and to reflect on questions that have no simple answers.
More information about the movie: Martin reads the Quran
More information about the film label: Artkeim²
