The White Ribbon

Set in a small northern German village between 1913 and 1914, The White Ribbon explores the dark underbelly of a deeply authoritarian and morally repressive Protestant community. Strange and cruel events begin to plague the village, with suspicion gradually falling on the seemingly innocent children raised under severe discipline. Director Michael Haneke crafts a chilling meditation on the origins of evil, fascism, and how systemic cruelty can corrupt an entire generation.

• Shot entirely in black and white despite being a modern production.
• Won the Palme d'Or at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.
• Director Michael Haneke spent over a decade developing the script.
• The film features mostly non-professional child actors.
• Originally conceived as a novel before becoming a screenplay.

• "I don't know if the story I want to tell you is entirely true."
• "Evil must be punished, even if the punishment is not of this world."
• "You should know what sin is, so that you can recognize it in yourself."
• "The truth must be told, even when it hurts those we love."
• "Children who lie are no longer worthy of God's love."