"What makes this project special to me are the people who are shaping it. The story that these people share has moved me since the beginning. I just had to be part of it."

Yara has been writing theatre plays for many years and has also been involved in various short film projects both in front of and behind the camera, including a ten-day production in Brazil. "In Gottes Namen" is her screenwriting debut.

"It motivates me to see how everyone voluntarily invests so much time, energy and passion into this project, and I see it as my job to promote and support these people in what they do."

Till grew up in TEN SING, a musical and cultural youth programme run by the YMCA. There he learned a lot about different arts, discovered his love of organisation and also met Lars, one of our directors.

"That's exactly what I like so much about film as a medium: it touches people. And it touches everyone, universally. Regardless of where they come from, how much they earn or who they love."

Even as a young boy, Lars knew one thing for sure: "I want to do something with cinema or television!" And so he studied television and film, specialising in directing. While studying, he worked as an assistant director and sound mixer for television.

"I think the rebellion against the norms of this world is well written and shows a strong protagonist and her development towards self-determination. I wanted to tell this story in pictures."

After completing an internship in the film industry, Robin realised that his passion lay in storytelling. During his studies in television and film, he developed many short films. One of which ("Apfelbaum" eng: "Apple Tree") made it to the Berlinale.

"Films can move people emotionally in a very special way. It is important to me that women have complete autonomy over themselves and their bodies. The film is contributing to this with its story."

Lola is studying film and theatre studies and has therefore already worked on several theatre and film productions. So, she is used to keeping track of a large team and directing everyone to the right place at the right time.

"Even though we in Germany and Europe are fortunate enough to live in a different world today, I felt it was important to tell Johanna's story. Because, unfortunately, stories like this are still happening all over the world."

Alex performed for several years in the Friedrichstadtpalast's youth ensemble and on smaller theatre stages. Later, he also wrote short plays. With "In Gottes Namen", he took his first step into the world of film making.

"As a cameraman, I not only have to master technically demanding tasks, but I can also take on creative challenges. In this story, so close to the protagonist, it was important to me that we tell it with the right pictures."

Sinan began his training as a cameraman in 2022. Since then, he has worked for various television formats, including the German public broadcaster ZDF. With "in Gottes Namen", he has now made his camera debut for a feature film.