Hysteria is a 2025 German thriller drama film written and directed by Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay. Starring Devrim Lingnau, the film story follows a film shoot as it takes a dark turn when the burning of a Quran throws the crew into turmoil.
The film was selected in the Panorama section of the Berlinale and had its premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival on 15 February 2025.
Synopsis
The film is set amidst the chaotic environment of a film production on a film about the racist attacks in Germany of the 1990s. The plot thickens when a Quran is burned on set, and all evidence of the incident vanishes. The assistant director finds herself entangled in a complex situation, attempting to uncover the truth. Various individuals involved in the production, including the film's producer, director, and several actors from a refugee home, each have their own version of events.
Cast Devrim Lingnau as Elif Aziz Çapkurt as Mustafa Serkan Kaya as Yigit Nicolette Krebitz as Lilith Nazmi Kırık as Majid Mehdi Meskar as Said
Production
Principal photography began on 15 December 2022 on locations in Köln, Rüsselsheim in Germany, and wrapped up filming on 12 April 2023 in Rüsselheim, Cologne and Hürth, cities located in the regions of Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia.
Release
Hysteria had its World premiere in the Panorama section of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival on 15 February 2025.
On 5 October 2025, it was presented in Panorama section of 2025 Vancouver International Film Festival.
Reception On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 93% based on 14 reviews, with an average rating of 6.6/10.
Accolades Award Date Category Recipient Result Berlin International Film Festival23 February 2025 Panorama Audience Award for Best Feature Film Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay Europa Cinemas Label Award for Best European FilmHysteria Film Festival Cologne 26 October 2025 NRW Film Award
References
External links
Hysteria at Berlinale