Palko, a quiet student recently returned from Germany to Hungary, struggles to adjust. His
literature teacher Juci – also new to the school – seeks to break with outdated teaching methods.
But in this microcosm, initiative is punished, conformity rewarded, and students are encouraged
to inform on one another. Filmed on 16mm and honored at the 2024 Locarno Film Festival for
the performances of its non-professional actors, this debut delivers an authentic social
commentary on contemporary Hungary and the deep-rooted problems of its schools.
Bálint Szimler
Bálint Szimler was born in Hungary but raised in the United States. In 2006, he enrolled at the
University of Theatre and Film Arts in Budapest. His short film Here I Am was selected for
Cannes’ Cinéfondation program, nominated for the European Film Awards, and won prizes at
international festivals. His debut feature Lesson Learned received a Special Mention and the Best
Actor Award at the 2024 Locarno Film Festival and has since screened at more than fifteen
international festivals.
Palko, a quiet student recently returned from Germany to Hungary, struggles to adjust. His
literature teacher Juci – also new to the school – seeks to break with outdated teaching methods.
But in this microcosm, initiative is punished, conformity rewarded, and students are encouraged
to inform on one another. Filmed on 16mm and honored at the 2024 Locarno Film Festival for
the performances of its non-professional actors, this debut delivers an authentic social
commentary on contemporary Hungary and the deep-rooted problems of its schools.
Bálint Szimler
Bálint Szimler was born in Hungary but raised in the United States. In 2006, he enrolled at the
University of Theatre and Film Arts in Budapest. His short film Here I Am was selected for
Cannes’ Cinéfondation program, nominated for the European Film Awards, and won prizes at
international festivals. His debut feature Lesson Learned received a Special Mention and the Best
Actor Award at the 2024 Locarno Film Festival and has since screened at more than fifteen
international festivals.
literature teacher Juci – also new to the school – seeks to break with outdated teaching methods.
But in this microcosm, initiative is punished, conformity rewarded, and students are encouraged
to inform on one another. Filmed on 16mm and honored at the 2024 Locarno Film Festival for
the performances of its non-professional actors, this debut delivers an authentic social
commentary on contemporary Hungary and the deep-rooted problems of its schools.
Bálint Szimler
Bálint Szimler was born in Hungary but raised in the United States. In 2006, he enrolled at the
University of Theatre and Film Arts in Budapest. His short film Here I Am was selected for
Cannes’ Cinéfondation program, nominated for the European Film Awards, and won prizes at
international festivals. His debut feature Lesson Learned received a Special Mention and the Best
Actor Award at the 2024 Locarno Film Festival and has since screened at more than fifteen
international festivals.