Time-Travel Family Film 'The Secret Floor' Earns International Awards Ahead of North American Premiere

The time-traveling family adventure, *The Secret Floor* (Das geheime Stockwerk), has firmly established its international presence following a highly successful debut. Directed by Norbert Lechner, this cinematic collaboration involving Germany, Austria, and Luxembourg has already garnered several significant accolades, cementing its status as a critical success. These include the esteemed Children’s Jury Prize presented at the Zlín Film Festival, recognized as the world's longest-running children's film event. Furthermore, the movie secured the title of Best Feature Film at the renowned German festival, Goldener Spatz (Golden Sparrow).

The picture is being hailed as a major cinematic occasion for families, providing younger viewers with a fresh lens through which to view historical events. The central narrative revolves around Karlie, a twelve-year-old boy whose life changes dramatically after his family relocates to a historic Alpine hotel. While exploring his new surroundings, Karlie stumbles upon an enchanted elevator. This mystical device serves as a portal, catapulting him back in time to the pivotal year of 1938—just before the onset of massive global turmoil.

Against the backdrop of Nazi Germany’s escalating power, Karlie forms crucial bonds with two local children: Hannah, a Jewish girl, and Georg, a boy who works as a shoe shiner. Their shared quest to solve an underlying mystery functions as a powerful metaphor, illuminating the profound historical shifts occurring during that era. Together, the trio navigates the escalating tensions of the pre-war period, showcasing themes of friendship, courage, and resistance in the face of political darkness.

Director Norbert Lechner, whose previous credits include *Tom Sawyer and His Friends* (2012) and *Fortune Smiles on the Brave* (2016), consciously selected the year 1938 as the film's temporal setting. This period, marked by escalating political tensions and the shadow of the Third Reich, was chosen specifically to illustrate the precursors and conditions leading up to the global conflict, rather than depicting the war itself. This deliberate choice renders a complex and sensitive subject matter accessible and relatable for contemporary young audiences. The production team handled the delicate themes with immense care, ensuring that while the human element remained central to every scene, the portrayal avoided unnecessary graphic detail. To enhance the film’s authenticity and visual richness, principal photography was conducted in genuine, historic locations across Austria and Luxembourg.

Audience feedback has consistently highlighted the compelling performances delivered by the cast, which effectively draws viewers into the narrative where the past and present timelines seamlessly intersect. The film’s immersive quality is further amplified by its captivating musical score and the pervasive, enigmatic atmosphere of the old hotel setting. The high level of international interest in *The Secret Floor* is underscored by its scheduled screenings at the prestigious American Film Market and its highly anticipated North American premiere, signaling strong commercial potential for this award-winning production.