Written by Lizzie Sorrell. Photo courtesy of SCAD Savannah Film Festival.
“The Teacher’s Lounge” follows sixth-grade instructor Carla Nowak through the pearls and pitfalls of teaching as she balances her love for her students and her obliged loyalty to the school system. Conflict arises when a series of thefts occur at the school and one of her students is suspected. Caught between domineering colleagues, outraged parents and revolting students, the more right Carla does the more convoluted the situation gets.
The film opens with a warm closeup shot of Carla’s face, immediately demanding the audience’s attention and establishing a connection with the viewer. Director Ilker Çatak uses immersive audio techniques like the silencing and amplifying of dialogue to portray the overwhelming feeling of people demanding attention. Though the auditory and visual imagery communicates to the audience that Carla is consistently skating the line of her breaking point, she undoubtedly remains composed and determined throughout the entirety of the film. Through every conflict, she is steadfast in belief in the good of the kids. In essence, this film is a love letter to teachers. Çatak expressed at the Q&A that occurred after the screening that this work is dedicated to his own mentor. He said, “Anyone who picks up that profession has my deepest respect.”
“The Teacher’s Lounge” is a slice of life as much as a dramatic thriller. The recurring theme of uneasiness keeps you on the edge of your seat and engaged in every line reading. It was unexpectedly funny at the strangest of times and perfectly captured the niches of what it’s like to work with children and their impulsivity and adaptive, pack-like nature. The kids pose as subtle antagonists and become reflections of their parent’s attitudes as the film progresses.
At the screening, the audience was brimming with professors and instructors alike. Everyone in attendance seemed to have a deep reverence for Carla, her students and her unfortunate situation. I enjoyed hearing everyone’s collective laughs, gasps, clucks and tears during this screening. I highly recommend seeing “The Teacher’s Lounge” to take a moment to appreciate teachers and the artistry of this film.
