Faraz Shariat's 'Staatsschutz' Confronts Right-Wing Infiltration of German Justice

In his latest thriller 'Staatsschutz', director Faraz Shariat, known for his debut 'Futur Drei', explores systemic violence and structural antagonisms within the German judicial system. The film centers on prosecutor Seyo Kim, played by Chen Emilie Yan, who becomes a victim of a right-wing extremist attack and discovers a lack of support within the justice system. Shariat discusses the film's genesis, noting that after 'Futur Drei', he developed many projects but none had the impact needed for his next feature, partly due to the societal shift to the right. He credits screenwriter Claudia Schaefer, whose script he read in one night, as a fateful encounter. The film deliberately starts in a documentary-like mode, reflecting the detached, affect-controlled demeanor required of prosecutors, then gradually becomes more subjective as Seyo breaks rules and the camera moves closer. Shariat addresses the film's hopeful message, stating that a discourse shift is occurring where human rights are labeled as leftist propaganda, and asks what is needed to reverse this, emphasizing the need to shift fear from vulnerable groups to right-wing extremists. The film is produced by Jünglinge Film, with photography by Lotta Kilian.