Hilmi Sözer

Hilmi Sözer grew up in the Lower Rhine region and first became involved in acting through theater projects while he was still in school. Without formal acting training, he subsequently found his way into film, rising to prominence in the 1990s—primarily through his appearances in the comedies *Voll normaaal* and *Ballermann 6*, alongside Tom Gerhardt. He also achieved widespread popularity with his role in Michael "Bully" Herbig's cinematic hit *Der Schuh des Manitu*, for which he received an award.

In addition to comedy productions, Sözer has appeared in more serious film and television roles, including Lars Becker's *Kanak Attack*, the award-winning TV comedy *Meine verrückte türkische Hochzeit*, and Christian Petzold's drama *Jerichow*, which screened at the 2008 Venice International Film Festival. Furthermore, he has regularly performed on stage, including at the Altonaer Theater in Hamburg. In 2011, he appeared in both the comedy *Die Superbullen* and in the lead role of the television film *Das Ende einer Maus ist der Anfang einer Katze*.