22 Lengths

Tyske Filmdager screens the film adaptation of Caroline Wahl’s bestselling novel: a moving film about family, responsibility and finding your own place in life. The film features powerful performances by Luna Wedler, Laura Tonke and Jannis Niewöhner.

22 Lengths (original title: 22 Bahnen) tells the story of adolescence with no room for fun or plans for the future. Student Tilda is weighed down by old guilt and responsibility for her younger sister. Their mother is an alcoholic, and there is no help from the outside world. Whenever Tilda finds the time, she goes to the outdoor swimming pool. The 22 lengths she swims there are the only privacy she has. With a thoughtful, almost tender touch, the film explores the emotions within the family. It depicts self-denial and longing while subtly hinting at a budding first love.

Directed by Mia Maariel Meyer (born 1981 in Braunschweig), the film is based on Caroline Wahl’s debut novel of the same name, published in 2023. It became a bestseller and has sold over one million copies to date. Swiss actor Luna Wedler (known, among other works, for What You Can See From Here (TFD 2023) and Silent Friend (2025)) brings depth to Tilda and makes the character feel close and real. Laura Tonke (Amrum, Long Story Short (both TFD 2025)) and Jannis Niewöhner (Munich: The Edge of War (2021), Allegro Pastell (2026)) are convincing in the other leading roles.