‘Amelie rennt’ in the cinema – young people see asthma in a different light

If research offers hope, then there’s no problem with that happening in a big-screen movie, too. That’s exactly what the German Year of Science & Humanities 2026, with its ‘Medicine of the Future’ theme, is all about, just like the SchulKinoWochen (School Cinema Weeks). One of the films that really gets to the heart of the issue is ‘Amelie rennt’ (Amelie runs). The German Center for Lung Research (DZL) is on board, because the movie is about asthma and the really important question: what’s it actually like to live with a chronic illness?

At three locations in Germany – in Winsen/Luhe, in Garbsen near Hanover and in Germering near Munich – secondary school pupils went to the cinema together with their teachers. The program featured the youth film “Amelie rennt” by Tobias Wiemann.

Following the screening, doctors involved in the DZL asthma registry ALLIANCE took part in a moderated discussion to answer questions.

 

Amelie’s story: Puberty, problems – and a life-threatening diagnosis

Amelie is 13, in the middle of puberty, and has enough chaos going on in her head. On top of that, her parents are split up and she’s angry at anything that feels like a sign of weakness. And then there’s her asthma.

A life-threatening asthma attack is the last straw. The solution: three months at a specialist clinic in South Tyrol. There, she is to learn to take her illness seriously.

What follows is a wild mix of mountain adventures, a laid-back farmer’s son, an esoteric summit event, plenty of fire, plenty of water – and the realisation that illness does not mean the end of freedom.

 

What asthma actually is – and what Amelie could have done better

In the discussion that followed, the DZL experts explained how asthma develops, how it is diagnosed and what treatment options are available. Asthma attacks can be triggered by stress, physical exertion – or even laughter. The young people learnt where and how oxygen enters the lungs and how carbon dioxide is expelled.

One thing was clear: Amelie’s frustration could have been avoided. People with asthma who take their medication correctly and regularly can usually lead an almost normal life. This statement prompted many in the room to nod in agreement. It is also important that those around people with asthma are well trained in how to manage the condition.

 

What happens next?

Back at school, the programme continued: using the educational resources provided by Vision Kino, the young people were able to explore the topic in greater depth. That is precisely what the SchulKinoWochen are for – not just watching films, but discussing them, putting them into context and thinking about their implications.

SchulKinoWochen support the Science Year 2026 ‘Medicine of the Future’, in which the DZL is participating. SchulKinoWochen is a nationwide film education initiative. The films offered can be integrated into various school subjects and thematic areas and followed up with accompanying educational materials. Some of the cinema events will feature guest speakers or filmmakers on site.

 

/Doris Hammerschmidt (HMGU) /jbul

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