They received the most automatic funding from the Ffa for German films at the German box office.
Constantin Film and Warner Bros Germany were the most successful local production companies and distributors for German films at the German box office in 2022, according to the German Federal Film Board (Ffa).
They have been dubbed ‘Industry Tigers’ by the Ffa and means both companies receive the most in the Ffa’s automatic ‘reference funding’ from the organisation, in line with the amount their German films grossed locally and were exposed at international film festivals in 2022.
Munich-based Constantin Film received €1.2m in production...
Constantin Film and Warner Bros Germany were the most successful local production companies and distributors for German films at the German box office in 2022, according to the German Federal Film Board (Ffa).
They have been dubbed ‘Industry Tigers’ by the Ffa and means both companies receive the most in the Ffa’s automatic ‘reference funding’ from the organisation, in line with the amount their German films grossed locally and were exposed at international film festivals in 2022.
Munich-based Constantin Film received €1.2m in production...
- 4/28/2023
- by Martin Blaney
- ScreenDaily
The German-based distribution and production company Port au Prince Film And Kultur Produktion has hired Roshanak “Rosh” Khodabakhsh as a producer and executive board member.
Khodabakhsh will start the role on March 1. One of her tasks will be to further expand and lead the company’s Berlin branch.
Khodabakhsh mostly recently spent three years at the German distributor-producer Dcm, where she was a producer. Prior to Dcm, Khodabakhsh spent six years as a freelance production coordinator and production manager on projects such as Netflix’s Sense8, UFA’s Charité, and the X Filme series Babylon Berlin. She has also worked with directors such as Tom Tykwer, Sönke Wortmann, Fatih Akin (The Golden Glove), Jan Schomburg (Divine), and Ilya Khrzhanovsky (Dau).
Port Au Prince Producer and Managing Director Jan Krüger previously collaborated with Khodabakhsh in 2009 on Ali Samadi-Ahadi’s Grimme Award-winning doc The Green Wave.
“I would like to thank Marc Schmidheiny,...
Khodabakhsh will start the role on March 1. One of her tasks will be to further expand and lead the company’s Berlin branch.
Khodabakhsh mostly recently spent three years at the German distributor-producer Dcm, where she was a producer. Prior to Dcm, Khodabakhsh spent six years as a freelance production coordinator and production manager on projects such as Netflix’s Sense8, UFA’s Charité, and the X Filme series Babylon Berlin. She has also worked with directors such as Tom Tykwer, Sönke Wortmann, Fatih Akin (The Golden Glove), Jan Schomburg (Divine), and Ilya Khrzhanovsky (Dau).
Port Au Prince Producer and Managing Director Jan Krüger previously collaborated with Khodabakhsh in 2009 on Ali Samadi-Ahadi’s Grimme Award-winning doc The Green Wave.
“I would like to thank Marc Schmidheiny,...
- 2/15/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
German films achieved their second biggest market share in five years.
Cinema-going in Germany in 2022 was down 33.1 to 73.5m compared to pre-pandemic attendance figures of 110m in 2019 - and 23.5 below 2018’s total of 96.1m.
The German box office grossed €694m in 2022, down 28.1 on pre-pandemic levels of €964m in 2019. This was up 92.5 on 2021.
The year’s top film - Disney’s Avatar: The Way Of Water - opened in Germany on December 14 and had been seen by over 5.3m cinema-goers by the end of the year, generating more than € 72m in box-office takings.
The first month of 2023 saw the film continue...
Cinema-going in Germany in 2022 was down 33.1 to 73.5m compared to pre-pandemic attendance figures of 110m in 2019 - and 23.5 below 2018’s total of 96.1m.
The German box office grossed €694m in 2022, down 28.1 on pre-pandemic levels of €964m in 2019. This was up 92.5 on 2021.
The year’s top film - Disney’s Avatar: The Way Of Water - opened in Germany on December 14 and had been seen by over 5.3m cinema-goers by the end of the year, generating more than € 72m in box-office takings.
The first month of 2023 saw the film continue...
- 1/30/2023
- by Martin Blaney
- ScreenDaily
The Zurich Film Festival (Zff) has unveiled the seven titles in its Gala Premieres section showcasing auteur features with broad audience appeal and awards season potential.
The selection features Oscar-winning director Martin McDonagh’s Ireland-set comedy-drama The Banshees Of Inisherin, starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan.
The feature makes its world premiere in competition at Venice this year, followed by its North American premiere in Toronto.
Further Venice 2022 Golden Lion contenders in the mix include Argentine director Santiago Mitre’s Argentina, 1985, about a group of lawyers who take on the country’s military dictatorship.
The selection also features the European premiere of Netflix’s German adaptation of All Quiet On The Western Front by Edward Berger, which world premieres in Toronto.
The gala line-up will also showcase Cannes 2022 competition titles, Palme d’Or winner Triangle Of Sadness and Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda’s South Korea-set drama Broker,...
The selection features Oscar-winning director Martin McDonagh’s Ireland-set comedy-drama The Banshees Of Inisherin, starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan.
The feature makes its world premiere in competition at Venice this year, followed by its North American premiere in Toronto.
Further Venice 2022 Golden Lion contenders in the mix include Argentine director Santiago Mitre’s Argentina, 1985, about a group of lawyers who take on the country’s military dictatorship.
The selection also features the European premiere of Netflix’s German adaptation of All Quiet On The Western Front by Edward Berger, which world premieres in Toronto.
The gala line-up will also showcase Cannes 2022 competition titles, Palme d’Or winner Triangle Of Sadness and Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda’s South Korea-set drama Broker,...
- 8/11/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
The Zurich Film Festival has unveiled the first seven titles from its Gala Premieres section, a showcase of some of the year’s hottest auteur films. The films include the star-studded drama “The Banshees of Inisherin” by Oscar-winning director Martin McDonagh, the European premiere of the German film adaptation “All Quiet on the Western Front,” directed by Edward Berger, and the world premieres of Sönke Wortmann’s “Der Nachname” and “Die Goldenen Jahre” by Barbara Kulcsar.
Artistic director Christian Jungen said: “In recent years, the Zurich Film Festival has established itself as a springboard into the awards season. Of the last 10 winners of the Oscar for Best Film, six screened at the festival. This year, we will again present international auteur films that will later play a role in the Oscar race to the more than 120,000 visitors and the 600 accredited media.”
The complete program of the festival will be published on Sept.
Artistic director Christian Jungen said: “In recent years, the Zurich Film Festival has established itself as a springboard into the awards season. Of the last 10 winners of the Oscar for Best Film, six screened at the festival. This year, we will again present international auteur films that will later play a role in the Oscar race to the more than 120,000 visitors and the 600 accredited media.”
The complete program of the festival will be published on Sept.
- 8/11/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Irish drama The Banshees of Inisherin, from Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri director Martin McDonagh; Edward Berger’s German-language adaptation of All Quiet on the Western Front; and Cannes winners Triangle of Sadness and Broker are among the titles getting the gala treatment at this year’s Zurich International Film Festival, which runs Sept. 22 – Oct 2.
Zurich has unveiled the first seven of the gala premieres for the 2022 fest. Most will be heading to Zurich after their world premieres elsewhere. Banshees of Inisherin will first bow in competition in Venice, while All Quiet on the Western Front, a Netflix film, kicks off its festival run in Toronto. Another Venice title, Argentina, 1985 — from director Santiago Mitre and featuring The Secrets in Their Eyes star Ricardo Darín — will also hit the Zurich red carpet (which is actually green) this year.
Among the Zurich 2022 galas are two...
Irish drama The Banshees of Inisherin, from Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri director Martin McDonagh; Edward Berger’s German-language adaptation of All Quiet on the Western Front; and Cannes winners Triangle of Sadness and Broker are among the titles getting the gala treatment at this year’s Zurich International Film Festival, which runs Sept. 22 – Oct 2.
Zurich has unveiled the first seven of the gala premieres for the 2022 fest. Most will be heading to Zurich after their world premieres elsewhere. Banshees of Inisherin will first bow in competition in Venice, while All Quiet on the Western Front, a Netflix film, kicks off its festival run in Toronto. Another Venice title, Argentina, 1985 — from director Santiago Mitre and featuring The Secrets in Their Eyes star Ricardo Darín — will also hit the Zurich red carpet (which is actually green) this year.
Among the Zurich 2022 galas are two...
- 8/11/2022
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The sci-fi satire is Sophie Linnenbaum’s graduation film.
Sophie Linnenbaum’s sci-fi satire The Ordinaries was one of the big winners at this year’s Filmfest München, picking up the German Cinema New Talent Award for best director and best producer for Britta Strampe and Laura Klippel of the Berlin-based production house Bandenfilm.
The Ordinaires is Linnenbaum’s graduation film from the Film University Babelsberg.
“You have to rub your eyes in amazement: this is supposed to be a graduation made at a university? The Ordinaries has what feels like a multimillion-dollar budget,” enthused the jury of producer-director Sönke Wortmann,...
Sophie Linnenbaum’s sci-fi satire The Ordinaries was one of the big winners at this year’s Filmfest München, picking up the German Cinema New Talent Award for best director and best producer for Britta Strampe and Laura Klippel of the Berlin-based production house Bandenfilm.
The Ordinaires is Linnenbaum’s graduation film from the Film University Babelsberg.
“You have to rub your eyes in amazement: this is supposed to be a graduation made at a university? The Ordinaries has what feels like a multimillion-dollar budget,” enthused the jury of producer-director Sönke Wortmann,...
- 7/4/2022
- by Martin Blaney
- ScreenDaily
Click here to read the full article.
Dear Thomas, Andreas Kleinert’s black-and-white artistic biopic of the late poet, writer, and film director Thomas Brasch, has won the Lola for best film at the 2022 German Film Awards.
Kleinert also won best director and Albrecht Schuch took the 2022 best acting prize for his starring role as Brasch. It’s the third acting Lola in three years for Schuch, who won two Lolas in 2020, both for best actor (for System Crasher) and best-supporting actor (for Berlin Alexanderplatz). His Dear Thomas co-star Jella Haase won best supporting actress, and Thomas Wendrich took the best screenplay Lola for his script. Dear Thomas also won the Lola for best editing for Gisela Zick, best costume design for Anne-Gret Oehme, and best cinematography for Johann Feind.
Keeping Dear Thomas from a clean sweep at the 2022 Lolas in Berlin Friday night was Rabiye Kurnaz vs. George W. Bush,...
Dear Thomas, Andreas Kleinert’s black-and-white artistic biopic of the late poet, writer, and film director Thomas Brasch, has won the Lola for best film at the 2022 German Film Awards.
Kleinert also won best director and Albrecht Schuch took the 2022 best acting prize for his starring role as Brasch. It’s the third acting Lola in three years for Schuch, who won two Lolas in 2020, both for best actor (for System Crasher) and best-supporting actor (for Berlin Alexanderplatz). His Dear Thomas co-star Jella Haase won best supporting actress, and Thomas Wendrich took the best screenplay Lola for his script. Dear Thomas also won the Lola for best editing for Gisela Zick, best costume design for Anne-Gret Oehme, and best cinematography for Johann Feind.
Keeping Dear Thomas from a clean sweep at the 2022 Lolas in Berlin Friday night was Rabiye Kurnaz vs. George W. Bush,...
- 6/24/2022
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Pablo Larrain’s ‘Spencer’ has been nominated for best film.
Andreas Kleinert’s Dear Thomas has emerged as the front runner at this year’s German Film Awards, known as the Lolas, with 12 nominations.
The black-and-white biopic of East German poet, dramatist and filmmaker Thomas Brasch is nominated in the best feature film category, as well as for direction, screenplay, lead actor, cinematography and production design.
Andreas Dresen’s Berlinale competition title Rabiye Kurnaz Vs. George W. Bush is not far behind Dear Thomas with 10 nominations, the same number his Gundermann attracted in 2019.
Austrian director Sebastian Meise’s Great Freedom,...
Andreas Kleinert’s Dear Thomas has emerged as the front runner at this year’s German Film Awards, known as the Lolas, with 12 nominations.
The black-and-white biopic of East German poet, dramatist and filmmaker Thomas Brasch is nominated in the best feature film category, as well as for direction, screenplay, lead actor, cinematography and production design.
Andreas Dresen’s Berlinale competition title Rabiye Kurnaz Vs. George W. Bush is not far behind Dear Thomas with 10 nominations, the same number his Gundermann attracted in 2019.
Austrian director Sebastian Meise’s Great Freedom,...
- 5/13/2022
- by Martin Blaney
- ScreenDaily
Berlin-based sales agency Picture Tree Intl. has added to its European Film Market slate “Love Thing,” starring top German actor Elyas M’Barek, whose credits include “The Collini Case.” Also on the slate is “Soul of a Beast,” which debuts its trailer below.
Despite the virtual nature of the EFM, the company has taken additional office space at the Marriott Hotel in Berlin’s Potsdamer Platz.
“Love Thing,” which also stars Lucie Heinze, Peri Baumeister and Alexandra Maria Lara, is directed and written by Anika Decker, whose last feature “High Society” sold widely. Decker scripted box office successes like “Rabbit Without Ears,” which grossed $85 million.
“Love Thing” is produced by German production-distribution powerhouse Constantin Film, which has set its release for July 7. The producers are Rüdiger Böss and Philipp Reuter; the co-producers are Anika Decker and Jan Decker; and the executive producer is Martin Moszkowicz. Picture Tree will present a first teaser trailer to select buyers.
Despite the virtual nature of the EFM, the company has taken additional office space at the Marriott Hotel in Berlin’s Potsdamer Platz.
“Love Thing,” which also stars Lucie Heinze, Peri Baumeister and Alexandra Maria Lara, is directed and written by Anika Decker, whose last feature “High Society” sold widely. Decker scripted box office successes like “Rabbit Without Ears,” which grossed $85 million.
“Love Thing” is produced by German production-distribution powerhouse Constantin Film, which has set its release for July 7. The producers are Rüdiger Böss and Philipp Reuter; the co-producers are Anika Decker and Jan Decker; and the executive producer is Martin Moszkowicz. Picture Tree will present a first teaser trailer to select buyers.
- 2/2/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Picture Tree Intl. has acquired Iranian genre crossover feature “Without Her,” and will introduce the film to buyers during the upcoming European Film Market at its Marriot Hotel located office in Berlin. The film’s trailer is debuting with Variety (below).
In Arian Vazirdaftari’s feature debut, Roya is getting ready to emigrate from Iran when she meets a quiet young woman who appears lost and doesn’t remember anything. Roya takes her in, providing her with a home and introducing her to her husband, family and friends – all the while blissfully unaware that this woman has come to replace her.
The storyline of a woman losing her identity dives into the genre tradition of Hitchcock, Polanski and De Palma, while connecting it with the tradition of social realism in Iranian cinema, Picture Tree Intl. said in a statement, with gripping performances from Iranian actors Tannaz Tabatabaei, Saber Abar and Shadi Karamroudi.
In Arian Vazirdaftari’s feature debut, Roya is getting ready to emigrate from Iran when she meets a quiet young woman who appears lost and doesn’t remember anything. Roya takes her in, providing her with a home and introducing her to her husband, family and friends – all the while blissfully unaware that this woman has come to replace her.
The storyline of a woman losing her identity dives into the genre tradition of Hitchcock, Polanski and De Palma, while connecting it with the tradition of social realism in Iranian cinema, Picture Tree Intl. said in a statement, with gripping performances from Iranian actors Tannaz Tabatabaei, Saber Abar and Shadi Karamroudi.
- 1/31/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Germany is the third biggest market for ‘No Time to Die’.
Universal Pictures was the clear winner at the German box office in the second pandemic year as overall takings increased year-on-year by 25.8% in 2021.
According to Comscore, German cinemas posted total box-office takings of €361.8m and sold 40.4m tickets - up 18.3% on 2020, but 63% down on the 110m admissions in 2019.
Universal secured its market leader position of 31.9% market share of box-office gross and 29% for admissions thanks to the year’s biggest release, No Time To Die, which had taken €64.6m by the end of the year, and accounted for almost 15% of...
Universal Pictures was the clear winner at the German box office in the second pandemic year as overall takings increased year-on-year by 25.8% in 2021.
According to Comscore, German cinemas posted total box-office takings of €361.8m and sold 40.4m tickets - up 18.3% on 2020, but 63% down on the 110m admissions in 2019.
Universal secured its market leader position of 31.9% market share of box-office gross and 29% for admissions thanks to the year’s biggest release, No Time To Die, which had taken €64.6m by the end of the year, and accounted for almost 15% of...
- 1/24/2022
- by Martin Blaney
- ScreenDaily
Tighter national measures mean cinemagoers must be vaccinated or have proof of recovery from Covid-19.
As the Berlinale and European Film Market organisers continue to plan for physical events in February 2022, some German distributors are rearranging their schedules in reaction to further measures being brought in nationally to help curb the spread of Covid-19 in the country.
Constantin Film has postponed the release of three of its major upcoming titles: Caveman, starring Moritz Bleibtreu, due to open on December 23; Sönke Wortmann’s comedy sequel Der Nachname on January 20, and Anika Decker’s romantic Liebesdings, with Elyas M’Barek and Lucie Heinze,...
As the Berlinale and European Film Market organisers continue to plan for physical events in February 2022, some German distributors are rearranging their schedules in reaction to further measures being brought in nationally to help curb the spread of Covid-19 in the country.
Constantin Film has postponed the release of three of its major upcoming titles: Caveman, starring Moritz Bleibtreu, due to open on December 23; Sönke Wortmann’s comedy sequel Der Nachname on January 20, and Anika Decker’s romantic Liebesdings, with Elyas M’Barek and Lucie Heinze,...
- 12/3/2021
- by Martin Blaney
- ScreenDaily
Helping a selection of five European films to connect to Latin American distributors, Efp’s Film Sales Support (Fss) program has awarded grants to three sales agencies to step up their digital campaigns for this year’s hybrid Ventana Sur market.
Two companies from Germany have received support this year, as well as one from Spain. The unspecified amounts are to help the companies to “broaden their online presence and solidify business communications with buyers from Latin America attending Ventana Sur this year,” according to a press statement.
The new initiative underscores the fact that Ventana Sur has become an ever larger distribution springboard for European salles agents and their European films. “Ventana Sur is also a platform for European films, and this year sales are happening online. The onsite part is more focused on projects, pitching, and networking. Marketing is even more important to make films visible when going online,...
Two companies from Germany have received support this year, as well as one from Spain. The unspecified amounts are to help the companies to “broaden their online presence and solidify business communications with buyers from Latin America attending Ventana Sur this year,” according to a press statement.
The new initiative underscores the fact that Ventana Sur has become an ever larger distribution springboard for European salles agents and their European films. “Ventana Sur is also a platform for European films, and this year sales are happening online. The onsite part is more focused on projects, pitching, and networking. Marketing is even more important to make films visible when going online,...
- 11/29/2021
- by Liza Foreman
- Variety Film + TV
Berlin-based Picture Tree International has picked up global sales rights to two Scandinavian romantic comedies – the Finland’s “70 Is Just a Number,” about an aging female pop singer, and Sweden’s “Till Sun Rises,” about two lovers who escape their respective marriages to come together at night with the help of an ancient and magic book.
Pti will launch sales on the films at AFM, prior to their local releases via Nordisk Film: Dec. 29 and Dec. 25, respectively.
“70 Is Just a Number” is directed by Finnish comedy queen Johanna Vuoksenmaa, who directed “21 Ways to Ruin Your Marriage” – the top grossing Finnish film in 2013 with more than 400,000 admissions, still the biggest box office hit ever written, directed and produced by a woman in Finland. Produced by Nina Laurio and Riina Hyytiä with their Finnish company Dionysos Films, the film was supported by Finnish Film Foundation, and Tampere City/Film Tampere. The local broadcaster is Yleisradio.
Pti will launch sales on the films at AFM, prior to their local releases via Nordisk Film: Dec. 29 and Dec. 25, respectively.
“70 Is Just a Number” is directed by Finnish comedy queen Johanna Vuoksenmaa, who directed “21 Ways to Ruin Your Marriage” – the top grossing Finnish film in 2013 with more than 400,000 admissions, still the biggest box office hit ever written, directed and produced by a woman in Finland. Produced by Nina Laurio and Riina Hyytiä with their Finnish company Dionysos Films, the film was supported by Finnish Film Foundation, and Tampere City/Film Tampere. The local broadcaster is Yleisradio.
- 10/28/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Sales
Abacus Media Rights has sold documentary “The Beatles and India” to HBO Max for Latin America, BritBox North America for the U.S. and Canada, Channel 4 for the U.K., Foxtel for Australia, Channel One for Russia, and A Contracorriente Films for Spain, with more deals in the pipeline.
Inspired by Ajoy Bose’s “book Across The Universe – The Beatles in India,” the film marks Bose’s directorial debut, is co-directed by Peter Compton and is produced by Reynold D’Silva, CEO of Silva Screen Music Group.
Abacus MD Jonathan Ford said: “Using rare archival footage, an array of unseen recordings and photographs, eye-witness accounts and stunning location shoots across India, ‘The Beatles and India’ energetically reveals a fascinating journey which was to have a profound impact on The Beatles’ spiritual lives and their music.”
“The universal appeal of the subject has been one of our main aims in...
Abacus Media Rights has sold documentary “The Beatles and India” to HBO Max for Latin America, BritBox North America for the U.S. and Canada, Channel 4 for the U.K., Foxtel for Australia, Channel One for Russia, and A Contracorriente Films for Spain, with more deals in the pipeline.
Inspired by Ajoy Bose’s “book Across The Universe – The Beatles in India,” the film marks Bose’s directorial debut, is co-directed by Peter Compton and is produced by Reynold D’Silva, CEO of Silva Screen Music Group.
Abacus MD Jonathan Ford said: “Using rare archival footage, an array of unseen recordings and photographs, eye-witness accounts and stunning location shoots across India, ‘The Beatles and India’ energetically reveals a fascinating journey which was to have a profound impact on The Beatles’ spiritual lives and their music.”
“The universal appeal of the subject has been one of our main aims in...
- 9/21/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Picture Tree Intl. has acquired the rights to “Chasing the Line,” which follows the fortunes of downhill skiing legend Franz Klammer during the 1976 Winter Olympics. Variety has been given exclusive access to the first teaser trailer.
After shooting wrapped in April, the film is now in postproduction. It is scheduled for an Austrian release by Constantin Film Austria for late fall 2021, with Pti representing Germany, Switzerland and international territories.
Directed by Andreas Schmied, “Chasing the Line” stars up-and-coming Austrian actor Julian Waldner as Klammer. Valerie Huber, who will be starring in the upcoming Netflix original series “Kitz,” plays Klammer’s girlfriend and later wife Eva.
Klammer himself advised on the project since its early development.
Author Elisabeth Schmied, who penned the screenplay together with Schmied, said: “We want the story to take moviegoers right up to the starting gate. They should feel the weight that almost crushed Franz pressing down...
After shooting wrapped in April, the film is now in postproduction. It is scheduled for an Austrian release by Constantin Film Austria for late fall 2021, with Pti representing Germany, Switzerland and international territories.
Directed by Andreas Schmied, “Chasing the Line” stars up-and-coming Austrian actor Julian Waldner as Klammer. Valerie Huber, who will be starring in the upcoming Netflix original series “Kitz,” plays Klammer’s girlfriend and later wife Eva.
Klammer himself advised on the project since its early development.
Author Elisabeth Schmied, who penned the screenplay together with Schmied, said: “We want the story to take moviegoers right up to the starting gate. They should feel the weight that almost crushed Franz pressing down...
- 6/22/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
German cinema looks set for a major boost this year from some of the country’s most commercially successful and critically acclaimed directors tackling such eclectic subject matter as U.S. torture in Guantánamo, the impact of bipolar disorder on family, and a folkloric love story about the Grim Reaper.
The pandemic postponed a number of scheduled 2020 productions, which will likely make 2021 a busy year as production companies make up lost time.
Andreas Dresen, Til Schweiger, Michael Bully Herbig, Hans-Christian Schmid, Sönke Wortmann and the late Joseph Vilsmaier all have high-profile projects in the works or set to hit theaters (when they reopen) this year.
Dresen explores the injustice of America’s war on terror in the tentatively titled “Rabiye Kurnaz vs. George W. Bush.” Dresen, who enjoyed a major hit with the award-winning 2018 biopic “Gundermann,” reteamed with writer Laila Stieler on the fact-based pic about Rabiye Kurnaz (Meltem Kaptan), a Turkish housewife in Bremen,...
The pandemic postponed a number of scheduled 2020 productions, which will likely make 2021 a busy year as production companies make up lost time.
Andreas Dresen, Til Schweiger, Michael Bully Herbig, Hans-Christian Schmid, Sönke Wortmann and the late Joseph Vilsmaier all have high-profile projects in the works or set to hit theaters (when they reopen) this year.
Dresen explores the injustice of America’s war on terror in the tentatively titled “Rabiye Kurnaz vs. George W. Bush.” Dresen, who enjoyed a major hit with the award-winning 2018 biopic “Gundermann,” reteamed with writer Laila Stieler on the fact-based pic about Rabiye Kurnaz (Meltem Kaptan), a Turkish housewife in Bremen,...
- 3/2/2021
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
Picture Tree Intl. has picked up the global sales rights on comedy drama “Risks and Side Effects,” which follows a woman’s kidney transplant journey that threatens to break-up her friendships and marriage. The sales agency will launch sales at the European Film Market (March 1-5). Variety has been given exclusive access to the trailer.
Austrian helmer Michael Kreihsl wrote and directed the film, which is based on a play of the same name by Stefan Vögel. It stars Samuel Finzi and Inka Friedrich (“God You’re Such a Pr—“), alongside Pia Hierzegger and Thomas Mraz (“The Tobacconist”).
In the film a routine check-up reveals that Pilates trainer Kathrin is suffering from kidney disease and needs a transplant. Her husband Arnold is a successful architect in the middle of a large project and is afraid of donating one of his kidneys. Götz, a friend of the couple’s, would undergo...
Austrian helmer Michael Kreihsl wrote and directed the film, which is based on a play of the same name by Stefan Vögel. It stars Samuel Finzi and Inka Friedrich (“God You’re Such a Pr—“), alongside Pia Hierzegger and Thomas Mraz (“The Tobacconist”).
In the film a routine check-up reveals that Pilates trainer Kathrin is suffering from kidney disease and needs a transplant. Her husband Arnold is a successful architect in the middle of a large project and is afraid of donating one of his kidneys. Götz, a friend of the couple’s, would undergo...
- 2/22/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Picture Tree International has picked up world sales rights on Sönke Wortmann’s latest feature “Contra.” Pti will launch the film onto the market with a first promo at AFM, which starts Monday.
“Contra” had its world premiere at the 16th Zurich Film Festival, and is set for a Christmas release in German-speaking territories by Constantin Film, one of the world’s top independent distributors. Pti will give the film a physical market premiere at February’s European Film Market.
Wortmann has been one of German cinema’s leading directors since the early 90s, with films like “Maybe, Maybe Not” (“Der bewegte Mann”), which was the most successful German film of the 1990s, soccer drama “The Miracle of Bern” (“Das Wunder von Bern”), and “Pope Joan” (“Die Päpstin”).
“Contra” follows the fallout for a university professor, Richard Pohl, after he directs a xenophobic insult at law student Naima Hamid. After...
“Contra” had its world premiere at the 16th Zurich Film Festival, and is set for a Christmas release in German-speaking territories by Constantin Film, one of the world’s top independent distributors. Pti will give the film a physical market premiere at February’s European Film Market.
Wortmann has been one of German cinema’s leading directors since the early 90s, with films like “Maybe, Maybe Not” (“Der bewegte Mann”), which was the most successful German film of the 1990s, soccer drama “The Miracle of Bern” (“Das Wunder von Bern”), and “Pope Joan” (“Die Päpstin”).
“Contra” follows the fallout for a university professor, Richard Pohl, after he directs a xenophobic insult at law student Naima Hamid. After...
- 11/5/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Sales outfit also boards hit comedy How About Adolf?
German sales outfit Global Screen has picked up two high-profile completed titles from Constantin FIlm: Marco Kreuzpaintner’s courtroom thriller The Collini Case, and Sönke Wortmann’s hit comedy How About Adolf? ahead of the European Film Market next month.
The Collini Case is based on Ferdinand von Schirach’s novel of the same name about an explosive murder trial. It was a sensation when it was published in Germany in 2011 as it featured a character based on von Schirach’s own infamous grandfather, the leader of the Hitler Youth during the Second World War.
German sales outfit Global Screen has picked up two high-profile completed titles from Constantin FIlm: Marco Kreuzpaintner’s courtroom thriller The Collini Case, and Sönke Wortmann’s hit comedy How About Adolf? ahead of the European Film Market next month.
The Collini Case is based on Ferdinand von Schirach’s novel of the same name about an explosive murder trial. It was a sensation when it was published in Germany in 2011 as it featured a character based on von Schirach’s own infamous grandfather, the leader of the Hitler Youth during the Second World War.
- 1/22/2019
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
German films have continued to perform strongly at the box office this year despite record high temperatures over the summer, usually a death knell for local cinemas, and not to mention World Cup soccer, which kept many potential moviegoers at home or in sports bars across the country.
Local pics have benefitted from a strong mix of comedy, children’s fare and drama. German productions accounted for some 11.3 million admissions in the first half of the year, compared with 10.6 million in the first six months of 2017, resulting in a 22.4% market share, up from 18.2%.
“German films have been able to increase both their revenue and market share in a difficult market environment, which is already a special achievement,” Peter Dinges, CEO of the German Federal Film Board (Ffa), tells Variety. “And with some high-profile movie launches in the second half of the year, I am extremely confident that this trend will...
Local pics have benefitted from a strong mix of comedy, children’s fare and drama. German productions accounted for some 11.3 million admissions in the first half of the year, compared with 10.6 million in the first six months of 2017, resulting in a 22.4% market share, up from 18.2%.
“German films have been able to increase both their revenue and market share in a difficult market environment, which is already a special achievement,” Peter Dinges, CEO of the German Federal Film Board (Ffa), tells Variety. “And with some high-profile movie launches in the second half of the year, I am extremely confident that this trend will...
- 11/2/2018
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has acquired the rights to German period hospital drama series “Charité” in multiple territories, including the U.S., the U.K., Canada and Australia. The show is produced by Ufa, whose credits include “Generation War,” “Deutschland 83” and “Ku’damm 56 – Rebel With a Cause.”
In a deal with sales agent Global Screen, the streaming giant has taken rights to the six-part production in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, Benelux, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and German-speaking Europe. The series delivered stellar ratings for Germany’s public broadcaster Ard/Das Erste when it premiered last year. The first two episodes reached more than 8.41 million viewers and an audience share of 25.9%, delivering the best performance of a primetime series in 13 years and the most successful launch of a series in more than 25 years for Ard/Das Erste.
The series is set in Berlin in 1888. After penniless Ida is operated on as a patient at the Charité Hospital,...
In a deal with sales agent Global Screen, the streaming giant has taken rights to the six-part production in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, Benelux, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and German-speaking Europe. The series delivered stellar ratings for Germany’s public broadcaster Ard/Das Erste when it premiered last year. The first two episodes reached more than 8.41 million viewers and an audience share of 25.9%, delivering the best performance of a primetime series in 13 years and the most successful launch of a series in more than 25 years for Ard/Das Erste.
The series is set in Berlin in 1888. After penniless Ida is operated on as a patient at the Charité Hospital,...
- 4/19/2018
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
World’s second longest-serving film festival director died last week while attending Graz film festival.
Filmmakers in Germany and beyond are mourning the passing of Heinz Badewitz, the founder of the Hof Film Days, who died unexpectedly last week at the age of 74 whilst attending last week’s Diagonale - Festival of Austrian Film in Graz.
Badewitz was the world’s second longest-serving film festival director after Chicago’s Michael Kutza (who launched his festival in 1964) and was planning Hof’s 50th anniversary in October.
Hailing from Hof in Northern Franconia, Badewitz had moved to Munich in the early 1960s to train as a cameraman and soon became part of the Munich film scene, later working as location manager on such films as Wim Wenders’ Kings Of The Road and The American Friend, and assistant director for Bob Fosse’s Cabaret and Norman Jewison’s Rollerball.
In addition, he was involved in the selection of German films for...
Filmmakers in Germany and beyond are mourning the passing of Heinz Badewitz, the founder of the Hof Film Days, who died unexpectedly last week at the age of 74 whilst attending last week’s Diagonale - Festival of Austrian Film in Graz.
Badewitz was the world’s second longest-serving film festival director after Chicago’s Michael Kutza (who launched his festival in 1964) and was planning Hof’s 50th anniversary in October.
Hailing from Hof in Northern Franconia, Badewitz had moved to Munich in the early 1960s to train as a cameraman and soon became part of the Munich film scene, later working as location manager on such films as Wim Wenders’ Kings Of The Road and The American Friend, and assistant director for Bob Fosse’s Cabaret and Norman Jewison’s Rollerball.
In addition, he was involved in the selection of German films for...
- 3/14/2016
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
Oscar submission Labyrinth of Lies and comedy drama Summers Downstairs are among films on the shortlist for the Metropolis 2015 directing prize awarded by the German Directors’ Guild.
Giulio Ricciarelli’s Labyrinth of Lies played at Zurich Film Festival 2014 and is Germany’s submission for the Best Foreign Language Feature at the Academy Awards.
Tom Sommerlatte’s Summers Downstairs is nominated for the European Discovery - Prix Fipresci after winning a top prize at Oldenburg International Film Festival.
Both will compete in the New Directing Talent category against Gerd Schneider’s drama The Culpable.
The Best Fiction Feature Direction category will see Oliver Hirschbiegel (13 Minutes) compete against Sönke Wortmann (Frau Müller muss weg), Baran Bo Odar (Who Am I - No System Is Safe) and Markus Sehr (Die Kleinen und die Bösen).
Sebastian Dehnhardt’s basketball portrait Dirk Nowitzki - The Perfect Shot is one of three titles selected for the Best Documentary Direction category.
Other categories...
Giulio Ricciarelli’s Labyrinth of Lies played at Zurich Film Festival 2014 and is Germany’s submission for the Best Foreign Language Feature at the Academy Awards.
Tom Sommerlatte’s Summers Downstairs is nominated for the European Discovery - Prix Fipresci after winning a top prize at Oldenburg International Film Festival.
Both will compete in the New Directing Talent category against Gerd Schneider’s drama The Culpable.
The Best Fiction Feature Direction category will see Oliver Hirschbiegel (13 Minutes) compete against Sönke Wortmann (Frau Müller muss weg), Baran Bo Odar (Who Am I - No System Is Safe) and Markus Sehr (Die Kleinen und die Bösen).
Sebastian Dehnhardt’s basketball portrait Dirk Nowitzki - The Perfect Shot is one of three titles selected for the Best Documentary Direction category.
Other categories...
- 9/25/2015
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
2Nd Update, Tuesday 4 Am Pt: Actuals are in for the international weekend with no major discrepancies save for a big drop on Taken 3. After Sunday’s report of a $57.2M total in non-Fox markets, the confirmed total came in at $39.8M. The difference was down to an incorrect cume provided to Fox by EuropaCorp for those territories. The overseas total is now a corrected $134M. In new pics, both JLo-starrer The Boy Next Door and Johnny Depp’s Mortdecai saw small bumps (up a respective $23K and $70K). American Sniper reloaded to $18M from a previously projected $17.6M.
Updated below are final numbers on those films along with: The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies, Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb, Penguins Of Madagascar, The Theory Of Everything, Unbroken, Seventh Son, Exodus: Gods And Kings, Into The Woods, Ouija, The Imitation Game, Birdman, Ex Machina,...
Updated below are final numbers on those films along with: The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies, Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb, Penguins Of Madagascar, The Theory Of Everything, Unbroken, Seventh Son, Exodus: Gods And Kings, Into The Woods, Ouija, The Imitation Game, Birdman, Ex Machina,...
- 1/27/2015
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline
Lena Schömann, producer of box office hit Fack Ju Göhte (Suck Me Shakespeer), is switching to Constantin Film after 12 years at the distributor-producer’s subsidiary Rat Pack Filmproduktion.
Schömann’s credits at Rat Pack included The Crocodiles family film franchise and 3D adventure Wickie and the Treasure of the Gods directed by Christian Ditter..
Together with Becker, she produced writer-director Bora Dagtekin’s box-office hits Turkish For Beginners and Suck Me Shakespeer which has seen by over 7m cinema-goers in Germany alone and has taken over € 52 m since its release last November.
Schömann’s first project at Constantin will be the sequel to Suck Me Shakespeer, which will begin shooting this summer and be released by Constantin Film on September 10, 2015.
Suck Me Shakespeer, which won a German Film Award last month as the country’s most successful feature of 2013, is handled internationally by Berlin-based sales outfit Picture Tree International.
Constantin stays at school
School-based stories are clearly...
Schömann’s credits at Rat Pack included The Crocodiles family film franchise and 3D adventure Wickie and the Treasure of the Gods directed by Christian Ditter..
Together with Becker, she produced writer-director Bora Dagtekin’s box-office hits Turkish For Beginners and Suck Me Shakespeer which has seen by over 7m cinema-goers in Germany alone and has taken over € 52 m since its release last November.
Schömann’s first project at Constantin will be the sequel to Suck Me Shakespeer, which will begin shooting this summer and be released by Constantin Film on September 10, 2015.
Suck Me Shakespeer, which won a German Film Award last month as the country’s most successful feature of 2013, is handled internationally by Berlin-based sales outfit Picture Tree International.
Constantin stays at school
School-based stories are clearly...
- 6/3/2014
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
Although the holiday season means time off work for most other industries in the U.S., it means it's awards season for the film business, which in turn necessitates plenty of tributes and accolades to be presented on the East and West Coasts at your local repertory theater in advance of the Oscars where movie stars can be seen and Q & As are conducted. Yet in New York and Los Angeles, there will be a wealth of other options as neighborhood theaters flood their screens with contemporary cinema from other parts of the world, classic movies in their full bigscreen glory, and certain-to-be-fun nods to the holidays, whether it's Halloween or Christmas. If you live in one of these areas or see fit to travel, these are the events worth the trouble over the next few months.
by Stephen Saito
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- 10/21/2010
- by Stephen Saito
- ifc.com
Pope Joan, which depicts a female pontiff rumoured to have existed in the ninth century, has been criticised by the Roman Catholic Church for its 'extremely limited vision'
Blockbuster Hollywood films such as The Da Vinci Code, and its prequel, Angels and Demons, have often fallen foul of the Vatican in recent years. Now a new movie looks set to spark anger in the Holy See due to its depiction of a female pontiff.
Pope Joan, based on American novelist Donna Woolfolk Cross's book of the same name, stars German actor Johanna Wokalek as the titular character, with Lord of the Rings' David Wenham as the lover who supposedly brought her to Rome, and Us actor John Goodman as Pope Sergius. The film is based on persistent rumours – denied by the Roman Catholic Church and, to be fair, the majority of historians – that a female pope existed in the ninth century.
Blockbuster Hollywood films such as The Da Vinci Code, and its prequel, Angels and Demons, have often fallen foul of the Vatican in recent years. Now a new movie looks set to spark anger in the Holy See due to its depiction of a female pontiff.
Pope Joan, based on American novelist Donna Woolfolk Cross's book of the same name, stars German actor Johanna Wokalek as the titular character, with Lord of the Rings' David Wenham as the lover who supposedly brought her to Rome, and Us actor John Goodman as Pope Sergius. The film is based on persistent rumours – denied by the Roman Catholic Church and, to be fair, the majority of historians – that a female pope existed in the ninth century.
- 6/22/2010
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
Scheduled presenters at the 2009 European Film Awards, to be held later this evening in Bochum, Germany, are: Actresses Victoria Abril (Spain), Caterina Murino (Italy), Johanna ter Steege (the Netherlands), María Valverde (Spain), and actors Detlev Buck (Germany), Jesper Christensen (Denmark), Ben Kingsley (UK), Maciej Stuhr (Poland), and Anatole Taubman (Switzerland). Also, documentary director Nino Kirtadzé (France/Georgia), actor/director Aksel Hennie (Norway), and director/actor Branko Djuric (Bosnia & Herzegovina). And finally, Gottfried Langenstein, President of Arte, Viviane Reding, EU Commissioner for Information, Society and Media, and Efa President Wim Wenders. Among the expected guests are actresses Hannelore Elsner (Germany), Krystyna Janda (Poland), and Julia Jentsch (Germany), and directors Roland Emmerich and Sönke Wortmann. Plus award winners Peter Liechti (Efa [...]...
- 12/12/2009
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
The much anticipated film version of best-selling novel Pope Joan gets an original score composed by Swiss-born composer Marcel Barsotti. He reunites with the film’s director, Sönke Wortmann, for whom he scored the 2003 feature The Miracle of Bern and the 2006 documentary Deutschland, Ein Sommermärchen. Wortmann took over helming of the film when Volker Schlöndorff left the project. Barsotti’s score is written for orchestra, choir and soloists and will be ...
- 9/26/2009
- by moviescore
- MovieScore Magazine
We have now added a further three images from Constantin Films' "Pope Joan." This can be first seen in Germany first on Octobert 29th. Areas like Belgium and the Netherlands get it on November 18th and 19th. Johanna Wokalek, John Goodman, David Wenham, Ian Glen, Anatole Taubman, Oliver Cotton, Branko Tomovic, Claudia Michelsen, Giorgio Lupano and Ian Gelder star. Sönke Wortmann directs as well as adapting the screenplay alongside Heinrich Hadding based on the novel by Donna Wooolfolk Cross. See all the images here!
- 4/11/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
We have two images in from Constantin Films' "Pope Joan" which apparently Summit Entertainment is releasing in the U.S. at some point, we don't know when. The film opens in Germany first on Octobert 29th, followed by Belgium and the Netherlands on November 18th and 19th. Johanna Wokalek, John Goodman, David Wenham, Ian Glen, Anatole Taubman, Oliver Cotton, Branko Tomovic, Claudia Michelsen, Giorgio Lupano and Ian Gelder star. Sönke Wortmann directs as well as adapting the screenplay alongside Heinrich Hadding based on the novel by Donna Wooolfolk Cross. See all the images here! ...
- 4/11/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
We have now added a further three images from Constantin Films' "Pope Joan." This can be first seen in Germany first on Octobert 29th. Areas like Belgium and the Netherlands get it on November 18th and 19th. Johanna Wokalek, John Goodman, David Wenham, Ian Glen, Anatole Taubman, Oliver Cotton, Branko Tomovic, Claudia Michelsen, Giorgio Lupano and Ian Gelder star. Sönke Wortmann directs as well as adapting the screenplay alongside Heinrich Hadding based on the novel by Donna Wooolfolk Cross.
- 4/11/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
We have two images in from Constantin Films' "Pope Joan" which apparently Summit Entertainment is releasing in the U.S. at some point, we don't know when. The film opens in Germany first on Octobert 29th, followed by Belgium and the Netherlands on November 18th and 19th. Johanna Wokalek, John Goodman, David Wenham, Ian Glen, Anatole Taubman, Oliver Cotton, Branko Tomovic, Claudia Michelsen, Giorgio Lupano and Ian Gelder star. Sönke Wortmann directs as well as adapting the screenplay alongside Heinrich Hadding based on the novel by Donna Wooolfolk Cross...
- 4/11/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
We have now added a further three images from Constantin Films' "Pope Joan." This can be first seen in Germany first on Octobert 29th. Areas like Belgium and the Netherlands get it on November 18th and 19th. Johanna Wokalek, John Goodman, David Wenham, Ian Glen, Anatole Taubman, Oliver Cotton, Branko Tomovic, Claudia Michelsen, Giorgio Lupano and Ian Gelder star. Sönke Wortmann directs as well as adapting the screenplay alongside Heinrich Hadding based on the novel by Donna Wooolfolk Cross.
- 4/11/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
We have two images in from Constantin Films' "Pope Joan" which apparently Summit Entertainment is releasing in the U.S. at some point, we don't know when. The film opens in Germany first on Octobert 29th, followed by Belgium and the Netherlands on November 18th and 19th. Johanna Wokalek, John Goodman, David Wenham, Ian Glen, Anatole Taubman, Oliver Cotton, Branko Tomovic, Claudia Michelsen, Giorgio Lupano and Ian Gelder star. Sönke Wortmann directs as well as adapting the screenplay alongside Heinrich Hadding based on the novel by Donna Wooolfolk Cross...
- 4/11/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
BERLIN -- Constantin Film confirmed Wednesday that director Sonke Wortmann is taking the helm of Pope Joan, replacing Volker Schlondorff, who was fired after criticizing the concept of filming with an eye toward a theatrical release and a TV miniseries version.
Wortmann (Germany: A Summer's Fairytale) reportedly campaigned for the job, beating several high-profile German directors including Uli Edel (Last Exit to Brooklyn) and Mennan Yapo (Premonition).
The project has been plagued with a number of problems including extensive rewrites; a lawsuit against actor John Goodman, who pulled out of the project; and a lack of support from film-funding institutions. The film has been presold, however, to several European territories.
Pope Joan centers on a female pope who passes herself off as a man. The dramatic climax sees her giving birth in public.
Actresses from Nicole Kidman to Natalie Portman reportedly were wooed for the role -- but apparently none of them took the bait. German star Franka Potente still is expected to play the lead.
Wortmann (Germany: A Summer's Fairytale) reportedly campaigned for the job, beating several high-profile German directors including Uli Edel (Last Exit to Brooklyn) and Mennan Yapo (Premonition).
The project has been plagued with a number of problems including extensive rewrites; a lawsuit against actor John Goodman, who pulled out of the project; and a lack of support from film-funding institutions. The film has been presold, however, to several European territories.
Pope Joan centers on a female pope who passes herself off as a man. The dramatic climax sees her giving birth in public.
Actresses from Nicole Kidman to Natalie Portman reportedly were wooed for the role -- but apparently none of them took the bait. German star Franka Potente still is expected to play the lead.
- 8/30/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Constantin Film is bringing the 1995 hit German comedy Maybe ... Maybe Not back to the big screen. The company will produce an English-language remake for Screen Gems.
Based on Ralph Konig's comics Der Bewegte Mann and Pretty Baby, the original film was directed by Sonke Wortmann and produced by Bernd Eichinger and was the highest-grossing German film of 1995.
The remake will be produced by Robert Kulzer for Constantin Film.
"I have wanted to make this movie since I saw the original," Screen Gems topper Clint Culpepper said. "Now I am finally getting the opportunity to, and it is very gratifying."
The story centers on a womanizer who is kicked out by his longtime girlfriend because of his habitual cheating. The only one who will take him in is an elderly gay man with whom he once worked. The womanizer soon realizes his girlfriend is the love of his life, and he enlists the help of his new roommate and his circle of gay friends to win her back.
Based on Ralph Konig's comics Der Bewegte Mann and Pretty Baby, the original film was directed by Sonke Wortmann and produced by Bernd Eichinger and was the highest-grossing German film of 1995.
The remake will be produced by Robert Kulzer for Constantin Film.
"I have wanted to make this movie since I saw the original," Screen Gems topper Clint Culpepper said. "Now I am finally getting the opportunity to, and it is very gratifying."
The story centers on a womanizer who is kicked out by his longtime girlfriend because of his habitual cheating. The only one who will take him in is an elderly gay man with whom he once worked. The womanizer soon realizes his girlfriend is the love of his life, and he enlists the help of his new roommate and his circle of gay friends to win her back.
BERLIN -- Fatih Akin's Berlin Golden Bear winner Head-On blasted through the competition at this year's Lolas, winning five statuettes including best picture, best director and acting awards for stars Sibel Kekilli and Birol Unel. Rainer Klausmann nabbed the best cinematography nod to round out the film's haul. "It feels pretty good up here," Akin joked Friday as he accepted his Lola, marking the first time the critically acclaimed helmer has won Germany's top film honor. "I've been nominated a few times, and you always feel sort of lousy when you don't win -- but now that I'm up here, I can tell all of you: It's really not that bad." Soenke Wortmann's soccer drama The Miracle of Bern scored three Lolas, winning a silver runner-up prize and sweeping the public awards -- as voted by German moviegoers -- for best film and best actor, the latter for star Peter Lohmeyer.
- 6/20/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
COLOGNE, Germany -- Fatih Akin's Head-On, the Golden Bear winner at the Berlin International Film Festival, leads the nominations for the German Film Prize, Germany's biggest film awards, with four mentions, including nominations for best picture and best director, as well as best actor noms for stars Birol Unel and Sibel Kekilli. Sonke Wortmann's boxoffice hit The Miracle of Bern, Leander Haussmann's '80s tragicomedy Berlin Blues and Christian Petzold's drama Wolfsberg were close on the heels of Head-On, picking up three nominations each.
- 4/18/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
MILAN -- In what it hopes will be a sign of things to come at this year's MIFED, leading German sales outfit Bavaria Film International closed a series of deals on the eve of the market including multiple territory sales for Kim Ki-duk's Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter ... and Spring and a six-picture deal with Israel's Orlando Films. Spring, Korea's official Academy Award entry this year, was sold in all-rights deals to Metro Tartan for the United Kingdom and Ireland, Rialto for Australia, Spain's Festival Filves, Audiovisual for Greece, Imovision for Brazil, Portugal's LNK, Septimo Arte for Mexico, Rayson Global for Argentina and SPI International for the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland. Orlando, which has had a local hit with Bavaria's Good bye, Lenin! inked a six-picture deal with the German group, picking up Israeli rights to Soenke Wortmann's soccer drama The Miracle of Bern, Cesc Gay's In the City, Jaime Rosales' The Hours of the Day, Extrano by director Santiago Loza, Martin Rejtman's The Magic Gloves and Hans-Christian Schmid's Distant Lights.
- 11/9/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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