Marija (film)

Marija is a 2016 German drama film directed by Michael Koch. The film stars Margarita Breitkreiz as the titular character, a young Ukrainian woman working as a cleaner in Dortmund, Germany.

The film portrays Marija's struggles to survive and achieve her dream of opening her own hair salon amidst precarious employment, financial hardship, and societal prejudice. It depicts the harsh realities of migrant workers in Germany and explores themes of poverty, exploitation, ambition, and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve their goals.

Marija was nominated for several awards, including the German Film Award for Best Actress (Margarita Breitkreiz) and the Swiss Film Award for Best Film. It was generally well-received by critics for its realistic portrayal of working-class life and Breitkreiz's performance. The film is known for its unflinching depiction of the challenges faced by immigrants and its social commentary on economic inequality.