We are delighted to share that critically acclaimed director and screenwriter Petra Volpe’s new drama LATE SHIFT, starring Leonie Benesch, has been officially selected to world premiere in the prestigious section 'Berlinale Special Gala' of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival (13-23 February 2025).
21 January 2025, Copenhagen – Berlin International Film Festival has just announced its line-up for the prestigious Berlinale Special Gala section, and we are delighted to share that our highly anticipated drama LATE SHIFT by critically acclaimed director and screenwriter Petra Volpe has been selected for the section and set to world premiere.
Watch the official trailer here, which has also just been released.
LATE SHIFT is a gripping and pulse-pounding feature drama by acknowledged Swiss-Italian director and screenwriter Petra Volpe, who is particularly known for her Tribeca Audience Award-winning feature THE DIVINE ORDER (2017), which sold to major territories world-wide and was selected as the Swiss entry for the 'Best Foreign Language Film' at the 90th Academy Awards®.
With her new film, Volpe delves into the timely theme of healthcare challenges, delivering a compelling, humanistic narrative. With a respectful and light-hearted touch, LATE SHIFT pays homage to nursing staff, underscoring the profound significance of compassionate care for all.
Director and screenwriter Petra Volpe comments:
'It’s an absolute dream come true that our film LATE SHIFT will have it’s wold premiere at the Berlinale. Having lived in Berlin for twenty years, I still consider the city my home base, and this moment feels incredibly personal. My connection to the Berlinale runs deep—this festival shaped my cinematic journey, from the formative films I discovered as a film student to the countless unforgettable experiences over the years. I’m beyond thrilled and can’t wait to bring our movie - a heartfelt love letter to nurses around the world to the Berlinale audience.'
The Berlin-selected drama stars the EFP 2023 Shooting Star winner Leonie Benesch, best known for her appearance in the Academy Award®-nominated drama THE TEACHERS’ LOUNGE (2023), for which she was also nominated within the category ‘European Actress’ at the European Film Awards and won the FIPRESCI Prize for ‘Best Actress” at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in 2024.
Managing Director of TrustNordisk, Susan Wendt, adds on the selection:
‘The inclusion of LATE SHIFT in the official selection in Berlin truly underscores the film’s universal appeal and artistic excellence. We are excited to share this powerful and gripping drama with the international audience and are confident it will leave a lasting impression.’
The 75th Berlin International Film Festival takes place from 13-23 February 2025 and will also screen the film in the market. For information about the market screening, please contact the international sales agent of the film, TrustNordisk.
Synopsis:
FLORIA, a dedicated nurse, navigates the relentless pace on a surgical ward with unwavering dedication, infusing humanity and warmth into her patient care even though the shift is understaffed. As the day intensifies, LATE SHIFT transforms into a gripping race against time, culminating in a riveting climax.
The film has a budget of EUR 3.7M and will have its local release on 27 February 2025.
The film is distributed by TOBIS in Germany and Austria and by Filmcoopi Zürich in Switzerland.
Director Petra Volpe is represented in the US by Range Media Partners, contact person: Cora Olson.
LATE SHIFT is directed and written by Petra Volpe. The film is produced by Reto Schaerli and Lukas Hobi from Zodiac Pictures, in co-production with MMC Zodiac, Swiss Radio and Television and SRG SSR. With support from Federal Office of Culture, Zurcher Filmstiftung, German Federal Film Board, Suissimage and the cantons of Aargau and Lucerne. International sales are handled by TrustNordisk.