by Lotta Schwerk
Ninja Motherf*cking Destruction
by Lotta Schwerk
From 2017 to 2024, Schwerk produced her feature film debut, Ninja Motherfcking Destruction*, using her own funds and without institutional support from film schools or film funding organizations. She served as director, screenwriter, and producer. In this long-term cinematic observation, she follows her characters from late adolescence into adulthood, exploring themes of friendship, queer identity, mental illness, and self-discovery.
The film premiered on January 21, 2025, at the Max Ophüls Prize Film Festival. At the Achtung Berlin Film Festival in April 2025, Schwerk was awarded the New Berlin Film Award for Best Director. The jury praised the personal vision she pursued over eight years, as well as the film’s sensitive portrayal of depression and self-harm. Lead actress Emma Suthe received an acting award from the festival.
Lotta Schwerk (1998) begann im Alter von 14 Jahren, Kurzfilme zu drehen. Ihre frühen Arbeiten behandeln insbesondere Jugend, Freundschaft, Einsamkeit und das Erwachsenwerden.