Ahmet is the dutiful son of Turkish immigrants, a tough champion boxer, a diligent soldier who has dedicated himself to “serving the people of Austria”. Throughout his life, he has learned to adapt and conform to other people’s expectations.

The desire to feel like himself again, pushes Ahmet to pursue an old dream and enroll in acting lessons, where he is encouraged to connect with his own vulnerability. But this is easier said than done. Ahmet hasn’t cried since he was a little boy. And the more he tries to break out of traditional gender roles, the stronger his internal battles become.

Soldat Ahmet begins as a parable about a Turkish migrant living in Austria. As the film progresses, it reveals a complex portrait of a young man, his quest for belonging, and the power of his emotional world.

Austria | 2021 | 76 min | German/Turkish with subtitles | Digital