The Secret Floor

Directed by Norbert Lechner
Narrative Feature | Austria/Luxembourg/Germany | 2024 | 90 min | German with English Subtitles

When 12-year-old Karli moves to an old hotel in the Alps, he discovers an elevator that harbors a secret – it’s a magical time portal back to 1938! There, he befriends Hannah, a spirited Jewish girl, and Georg, a shoeshine boy accused of theft, all while the shadow of Nazi Germany begins to grow around them. This time-travel adventure offers a fresh perspective on introducing young people to Holocaust education.

The Secret Floor from director Norbert Lechner (“The Wall Between Us”) is a time-travel adventure for families. Filmed in stunning Alpine locations, this German-Austrian-Luxembourgish co-production offers a fresh perspective on teaching young people about this crucial historical period, while also keeping it light-hearted.

Official Selection

Zlín Film Festival, World Premiere
Zurich Film Festival
Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival

“This adventurous film is a story of friendship across time, the courage to face history, and standing up for what’s right – no matter the era.”

– Zlín Film Festival

Director’s Bio

Norbert Lechner (1961) is a German screenwriter, director and producer. He graduated in German, philosophy and art history. During his studies he founded the production company Kevin Lee, where he made his first feature film WOUNDED FACES (1991). He then worked as a screenwriter for radio and TV and worked on documentaries. His other feature films include TONI GOLDWASCHER (2007), TOM AND HACKE (2012), and FORTUNE FAVORS THE BRAVE (2016), made for child audiences. His most recent work is THE SECRET FLOOR (2025), which won Children’s Jury Award for Best Feature Film in the Children’s Category at Zlin FF.