First shown at the Cannes Film Festival on 17 May 2004 and released in its home countries later that year, "The Edukators" was praised by critics and audiences. It grossed more than $8 million worldwide and received a number of awards and nominations. It did, however, receive criticism mainly for its political statements and also for its long running time. Nonetheless, it has become a cult film part of a "German New Wave", and it has inspired real-life actions and a 2013 stage adaptation in Brazil.