Tom Tykwer on Opening Berlin With ‘Hardcore Political’ Film ‘The Light’ and Why He’s Not Playing the ‘Invitation Game’ With Germany’s Far-Right Officials (EXCLUSIVE)

variety.com:

Nick Vivarelli International Correspondent Tom Tykwer will soon be opening the 75th Berlin Film Festival with “The Light,” a timely tale in which a deeply dysfunctional German family is saved by its Syrian housekeeper.

The German-language film, which Tykwer describes as a “hardcore political” statement, will kick off the Berlinale on Feb. 13 in the turbulent lead-up to the country’s Feb.

21 general elections. Much is at stake with the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which champions tough new rules pertaining to immigration. “The Light” stars Tykwer’s regular collaborator Lars Eidinger and close friend Nicolette Krebitz as Milena and Tim, the 40-something parents of irate 17-year-old twins.

Tala Al-Deen (“Tatort”) portrays Farrah, their housekeeper, who he says “has her own agenda.” The kaleidoscopic drama, which Tykwer calls “the older sister” of his groundbreaking thriller “Run Lola Run,” marks the directors’ return to the big screen – and to present-day Berlin – after four seasons at the helm of hit period series “Babylon Berlin.” It’s also the third time Tykwer’s opened Berlin, after “Heaven” in 2002 and “The International” in 2009, though these were both not German-language films.