'Miroirs No. 3' Screens at 46th CIFF

Miroirs No. 3, the latest psychological drama from acclaimed German filmmaker Christian Petzold, was screened on Thursday, 13 November, as part of the 46th Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF).

The film, which premiered earlier at the Cannes Film Festival, has drawn critical acclaim for its subtle exploration of trauma, grief, and the complex dynamics of family life.

The film, which premiered earlier at the Cannes Film Festival, has drawn critical acclaim for its subtle exploration of trauma, grief, and the complex dynamics of family life.

The film follows Laura, a Berlin piano student who survives a car crash that kills her partner. Taken in by Betty, a woman who witnessed the accident, Laura gradually becomes part of Betty’s household, where the husband and adult son slowly accept her. Beneath the calm surface of their shared home, however, long‑buried family secrets emerge, forcing Laura to confront the emotional and moral consequences of her presence.

Petzold’s direction, marked by precise framing and quiet intensity, creates an atmospheric tension that highlights the characters’ inner conflicts. Critics have praised the film’s blend of psychological depth and visual storytelling, with Screen Daily describing it as a “rich study of trauma and human connection,” and Cineuropa noting its “emotionally immersive narrative and striking cinematography.” Lucie Debay delivers a nuanced performance as Laura, anchoring the film’s delicate balance of vulnerability and resilience.

The screening of Miroirs No. 3 underscores the Cairo International Film Festival’s commitment to presenting innovative and internationally acclaimed cinema. Now in its 46th edition, CIFF continues to serve as a major platform for cross-cultural dialogue, bringing together filmmakers, critics, and audiences from across the globe.