Annual Reception to Honor German Nominees for the Oscar Awards is Almost Here!

Pacific Palisades, CA—At Pacific Coast Highway and Sunset Boulevard high on a hill with a stunning view overlooking the ocean is Villa Aurora.  This was once the playground of film icons such as Marlene Dietrich and Charlie Chaplin. 

Today Villa Aurora is an exciting artist’s residence, owned by the German government.  It’s contributions to art, music and film is immeasurable.  The same could be said here for the German government.  

The partnership between American and German filmmakers has brought thrilling film after film to both European and American audiences,

On Saturday February 21^st German Films, Villa Aurora (Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles) and the Consulate General of The Federal Republic of Germany will host its Pre-Oscar event.  In honor of the German Oscar® nominees:

This year they will be honoring the following:

Director Wim Wenders -  nominated for THE SALT OF THE EARTH as Best Documentary Feature

Team of CITIZENFOUR –  nominated as Best Documentary Feature:

Dirk Wilutzky ( Producer)

Mathilde Bonnefoy ( Producer)

Laura Poitras ( Director)

Patricia Schlesinger ( Commissioning Editor Norddeutscher Rundfunk)

Barbara Biermann ( Commissioning Editor Norddeutscher Rundfunk)

Bettina Reitz ( Director TV Bayerischer Rundfunk)

Hubert von Spreti (Commissioning Editor Bayerischer Rundfunk)

Sonja Scheider ( Commissioning Editor Bayerischer Rundfunk)

Carl Bergengruen ( Managing Director MFG Baden-Württemberg)

Team of THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL -  nominated for nine Oscars®  i .a. Best Motion Picture of the Year:

Charlie Woebcken ( Executive Producer Studio Babelsberg)

Henning Molfenter ( Executive Producer Studio Babelsberg)

Christoph Fisser ( Executive Producer Studio Babelsberg)

Jeremy Dawson ( Producer )

Miki Emmrich (   Line Producer)

Carl Bergengruen ( Managing Director MFG Baden-Württemberg)

Kirsten Niehuus ( Managing Director  Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg)

Generous Film Funding has made some great films possible over the years.  Renowned directors such as Paul Verhoeven, Quentin Taratino, Werner Herzog and so many other artists were able to thrill audiences because of this important support.

The German government understands that making films is important to a nations economy and quality of life.

I look forward to attending this gala and sharing with you interviews, video and some surprises from this exciting event. 

Here is my drone’s-eye view of the Villa on a somewhat dreary day last year.

Das System, a Film Review!

Director Marc Bauder with Screenwriter Dörte Franke

Los Angeles, CA—I’m a frequent visitor to events put on by the arts arm of the German government.  This time it was at the renowned Goethe-Institut across the street from the Screen Actor’s Guild where I’m a member.

They had a real treat for me lined up.  A screening of a film called Das System and a Q&A with the director Marc Bauder and one of the two screenwriters, Dörte Franke.  Afterwards there was a meet and greet reception. 

The film was a real thriller.  It interposed East Germany’s dark past with modern day corruption.  The unintended protagonist is a 20 year-old boy, Mike Hiller, played by Jacob Matschenz.  Later in the film, through cinematic magic, Hiller returns to play his presumed father, Rolf. 

The young Hiller who survives as a petty criminal,  is sought out by a wealthy fellow, Konrad Böhm played by Bernhard Schütz.  

Böhm is somewhat on a mission to mentor the lad into a "better" life of wealth, intrigue and corruption.  Complicating this mix is the boy’s concerned and suffering mother, Elke Hiller, wonderfully played by Jenny Schily. 

Böhm’s job is that of a professional extortionist/lobbyist who uses embarrassing information from old GDR-STAZI files against bureaucrats to steer government business to unqualified contractors that pay him generous commissions.  

Personal conflicts are present involving Mike’s mother who clearly wants the best for Mike.   Some past secrets move this terrific and easy to follow story along.

The story is well told and an ensemble of great actors working under Marc Bauder’s capable direction brings this unusual white-collar crime story to life.  

If I have a criticism is that this terrific film was not made in English for a wider audience and a chance to compete in the Oscars for more than Best Foreign Film.  English is the default language that bridges the Germans, French, Italians, Spaniards and others.  

Frankly I don’t understand the reluctance of American audiences to learn great languages like German or even watch a sub-titled film. 

If you get a chance to see this film it’s well worth the price of admission! At least buy the DVD!

I see a great future for the young director and screenwriters involved with this film. 

Below is a trailer for the film however unlike the film itself, it’s not subtitled:

 

Germany is Serious About Making Great Films!

Andrea Fleckenstein at Villa Aurora

Pacific Palisades, CA—High upon a scenic ocean view bluff here is a fabulous villa that was a refuge for Jewish artists that fled from the horror of Adolph Hitler and National Socialism during that terrible war. 

Today, decades later Villa Aurora is an epicenter for resident German artists of various disciplines including filmmakers.   There are a lot of special events held here like the one I attended today with my dear and beautiful friend Andrea Fleckenstein who is again visiting from Berlin. 

This was a terrific pre-Oscar Award party honoring actors, producers, and directors who are currently nominated for that coveted little gold statuette.   It was nothing short of terrific to meet so many talented and classy German film industry people all in one place. 

I have a pet German film project of my own and what a great place it was to network with people serious about making quality films.

The German government supports filmmakers with generous grants simply because it keeps filmmakers employed and at the same time pumps tax money back to the government. 

You can expect to see more German made films in English as this great nation competes with Hollywood for theater seats and DVD sales. 

This marvoulous event was hosted by Oliver Mahadt.  Mahrdt is the USA and Canada Representative of German Films.