“I understand your displeasure”, interview with director Kilian Armando Friedrich

February 18, 2026

Kilian Armando Friedrich, director of "I Understand Your Displeasure" talks about his view of exploitation of labor and social injustice.

"I understand your displeasure", interview with director Kilian Armando Friedrich Cristiana Palmieri

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Presented at the 76th Berlinale, “I Understand Your Displeasure” by director Kilian Armando Friedrich sheds light on social hierarchies and human resilience. This story delves into the lives of workers caught in systemic inequalities, highlighting the importance of recognizing individual agency amidst societal pressures.

In “I Understand Your Displeasure” director Kilian Armando Friedrich aims to portray a nuanced view of labor and social injustice, emphasizing that even in hardship, individuals possess the capacity for reflection and change. This approach encourages audiences to empathize with the carachters depicted in the film, without oversimplifying complex human realities and victmising people caught in situations that force them towards unethical behaviours.

Addressing Social Realities and Ethical Responsibilities

“I Understand Your Displeasure” portrays a diverse workforce, including Germans and immigrants, working in the precarious cleaning sector. It highlights how societal silence and acceptance perpetuate exploitation, emphasizing the need for awareness and action. Director Kilian Armando Friedrich intentionally avoids heroic archetypes, instead presenting characters with multifaceted personalities who face moral dilemmas. This ethical portrayal underscores that recognizing the humanity of these workers can inspire reflection and, ultimately, societal change.

With “I Understand Your Displeasure” director Kilian Armando Friedrich eeks to challenge perceptions and foster empathy about social injustice. By emphasizing individual agency and nuanced characterizations, “I Understand Your Displeasure” invites audiences to confront uncomfortable truths while respecting the complexity of those affected.

Plot

Heike works as a customer service manager at a cleaning company, mediating daily between clients, company management and cleaning staff. Her firm is having problems with an important subcontractor because Heike tried to poach one of his unofficial workers, contrary to regulations. The subcontractor is now threatening to stop his support unless Heike secures more hours and revenue for him. To meet his demands, she must dismiss one of her own employees – a colleague who is highly valued by her friend, Taja. Heike finds herself increasingly caught between her responsibility for her own employees and the conditions of the low-wage sector.

Written by: Cristiana Palmieri

Guest

Kilian Armando Friedrich