This 2016 Drama-Comedy is already well-known by German teachers across the states. With a central theme of immigration, this film lends itself well to the topics our advanced students are expected to be able to discuss in depth.
Top-billed is Senta Berger. We may recognize her from Zettl or Bin ich schön? Elyas M’Barek, whom we know from films such as Die Welle and Türkisch für Anfänger, plays a doctor in Welcome to Germany. Another doctor in the film is Uwe Ochsenknecht, whom we know from films more along the lines of Ludwig II, Männersache, Zweiohrküken, Die wilden Kerle series, and many others.
But perhaps most interesting is Eric Kabongo. Have grown up in Congo RDC and Belgium, Kabongo learned German in 6 weeks for this film. His first film was The Fifth Estate, though he was uncredited in that role. The next year, he appeared in a documentary called What about Eric? Which awarded him a degree of fame in Europe. He contributed to the soundtrack of Willkommen bei den Hartmanns as well.
To top it off, the credits play with the student-favorite song Chöre by Mark Forster!
This film discusses immigration explicitly and includes conversation of stereotypes and xenophobia. As the family members explore various cultures, we see scenes of excessive drinking, potential drug use, and some mildly exotic dancing (around minute 50). About 10 minutes later, we see a music video being recorded by the young kids, which is sexual in nature. While not rated in the U.S., Amazon Prime sets it at 13+ (and yes, this film is currently available on Prime!)