German film “Hysteria” highlights Quran burnings and rising Islamophobia

The German film “Hysteria”, premiered in the “Panorama” section at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival, addresses the growing phenomenon of Quran burnings and the rise of far-right extremism in Europe. Directed by German-Turkish filmmaker Mohammad Akif Büyükatalay, the film draws inspiration from a 1993 hate crime in Solingen, where extremists set fire to a Turkish family’s home, killing five people.

“Hysteria” follows the discovery of a burned Quran at a film set, sparking a tense sequence of fear, accusations, and ethical dilemmas among the crew. As tensions rise, the filmmakers, under pressure from authorities like Germany’s Ministry of Culture, avoid confronting the incident directly. Büyükatalay treats the sensitive subject symbolically, never showing the burning itself but portraying the charred Quran as a catalyst for deeper reflection.

The film questions how symbols like the holy Quran become flashpoints for polarization and misinterpretation, while exploring broader themes of freedom, responsibility, and cultural fear. Büyükatalay, previously acclaimed for his 2019 film Oray, continues to examine the Muslim experience in Europe, using drama to critique growing intolerance. “Hysteria” invites audiences to reflect on the roots of Islamophobia and the societal impacts of unchecked prejudice.