'' When We Leave '' ( , ) is a 2010 German-Turkish drama film , produced , written and directed by Austrian filmmaker Feo Aladag . The film received worldwide acclaim , and represented Aladag ’s debut as a producer , writer and director . '' When We Leave '' tells the story of a young German/Turkish mother ’s struggle for self-determination between two systems of values . It is a multi-layered story about honor , intolerance and the unshakeable belief in a harmonious coexistence . The film stars Sibel Kekilli , Florian Lukas , Alwara Höfels , Nursel Köse and Turkish actors Settar Tanrıöğen and Derya Alabora . It was produced by Independent Artists , a company founded by Aladag in 2005 . '' When We Leave '' had its world premiere on 13 February 2010 at the 60th Berlin International Film Festival . It screened in the special Panorama section and was awarded the Europa Cinemas Label Prize . It began its German release on 11 March 2010 . Reviewers called '' When We Leave '' “ the strongest debut film in years ” and gave special notice to the sensitive direction of the actors as well as the courage the film showed in addressing such heated subject matter . The film was awarded numerous national and international prizes , including seven nominations for the 2010 German Film Awards , in the categories Best Film , Best Debut Film , Best Screenplay , Best Actress , Best Cinematography , Best Editing and Best Score
60th Berlin International Film Festival
60th Berlin International Film Festival
When We Leave