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Master of Fine Arts candidate Charlotte Geissler’s film, "Rejection is God’s Protection," has been officially selected for the prestigious Berlin Independent Film Festival and will premiere at the iconic Moviemento Theatre in Berlin Sunday, Feb. 16.
The film follows a group of friends who visit Berlin for one night. This comedy thriller short pitches a longer, feature-length project. Following Claire, a young woman in her mid-twenties, the story unfolds as she journeys from the German countryside to Berlin. Claire meets her two childhood best friends at her aunt's house in the city. Throughout the night different characters — ravers, artists and models — come by the apartment, sending Claire into a stressful state of uncertainty. Claire discovers the complexities of her dissatisfaction as her reality is transformed by drugs, alcohol and strange visions of horses.
The film was conceptualized in November 2023 in Berlin. Geissler's production company, Slightly American Productions, led the production. An international crew worked on the project and the film aims to bridge American comedy with German comedy. The film is a coming-of-age dramedy that explores the bizarre aspects of Berliner culture and the even stranger features of getting older and growing up.
"Creating this film was an absolute joy! Collaborating with such a diverse group — from Atlanta to Berlin — was incredibly special," Geissler said. "I can’t wait for the film to premiere in Berlin and to reconnect with the amazing community we built during our time on set. Although we shot in Berlin, most of the post-production took place in the US. Many different voices came together to bring this project to life, and that's what truly makes it extraordinary!"
Geissler joined Georgia State in January 2024 for the M.F.A. Filmmaking Program. Before joining the program, Geissler worked as a Content Producer in Berlin. Since the start of 2024, Geissler has produced and directed several local projects in Atlanta — short films, commercials and public service announcements. Her most recent short film “Sugar” is currently in post-production. She currently works at the university as a Production I instructor.