Chennai International Film Festival

Scorched Earth

Germany | 2024 | 1h 41m | German

Trojan, a seasoned criminal, returns to Berlin after 12 years for a high-stakes art heist targeting a priceless painting. The operation, executed with precision, soon spirals into chaos as alliances fracture and betrayal emerges. Shadowed by a benefactor and pursued by a museum determined to recover the artwork, Trojan faces mounting threats. Against this tense backdrop, the film delves into profound themes of trust, morality, and human fragility. Highlighting a subplot centered on a Caspar David Friedrich painting, the narrative balances psychological depth and atmospheric suspense, echoing the elegance of classic film noir.

Director
Image description
Thomas Arslan, a celebrated filmmaker and screenwriter, is a key figure in the Berlin School, a cinematic movement known for its contemplative and minimalist storytelling. Born in Braunschweig, Germany, in 1962, Arslan studied at the German Film and Television Academy Berlin (DFFB), where he honed his craft. His films often explore the intersection of personal identity and societal transformation, with a keen eye for realism and emotional nuance. Works like Dealer (1999), In the Shadows (2010), and Gold (2013) showcase his talent for blending understated drama with vivid visual storytelling, earning him international recognition and critical acclaim.
Cast & Crew

Director – Thomas Arslan
Cinematography – Reinhold Vorschneider
Editor – Reinaldo Pinto Almeida
Music – Ola Fløttum
Producer – Florian Koerner von Gustorf,
Michael Weber, Anton Kaise
Cast – Misel Maticevic,Marie Leuenberger,
Alexander Fehling, Tim Seyfi,
Marie – Lou Sellem,Katrin Röver,Bilge Bingül