Lesson Learned / Fekete pont
Juci, an idealistic young teacher, and Palkó a 10-year-old boy, are both newcomers in the same school. Juci is unexpectedly made head teacher of a fifth-grade class due to a teacher shortage. Meanwhile, Palkó, recently relocated from Berlin, struggles to adapt to the demanding Hungarian educational system. As Juci attempts to challenge the outdated methods and Palkó tries to fit in, a childish prank lands him in trouble, making life at school difficult for both of them.
Their stories offer insight into a system both reflective of Hungarian society and universal in how they bring back our own (often unforgettable…) experiences with educational institutions. The film is magnificently shot, on 16mm, by Emmy-winning cinematographer of HBO's Euphoria, Marcell Rév. And Szimler’s insightful filmmaking makes it very much our story too, and our responsibility.
Spirit of the Festival Best Film and Best Screenplay nominee