In cooperation with the Oldenburg State Theater and the Casablanca.

IN the Casablanca Cinema

Johannisstr. 17
26121 Oldenburg
Tel. 0441/884757

Guests are the protagonist and co-author Helen Wendt and the camerawoman Philine von Düszeln. Moderated by Marcel Schwierin (Edith-Russ-Haus).

INDEPENDENCE

A documentary film by Felix Meyer-Christian. Screenplay by Felix Meyer-Christian & Helen Wendt. With Helen Wendt. Camera: Philine von Düszeln.

Germany 2023 ,93 min | DCP | color | FSK: from 12 years

German, English, Portuguese, Nuer (with German subtitles)

What does independence mean? The Afro-German actress Helen Wendt – who until recently performed at the Oldenburg State Theater – embarks on a search for traces of her family history, her identity and her independence, which takes her to the GDR, Mozambique and Berlin. At the same time, the film follows members of independence movements in Mozambique, South Sudan, Great Britain, Catalonia and Bavaria and asks what it means for people to fight for their freedom. What does independence mean and how do colonialism and racism still shape the world today?

Awarded the Max Ophüls Prize twice: Best Documentary – Film Critics’ Prize, Best Music in a Documentary.

Jury statement Film Critics’ Award – BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM: When a documentary sets itself the task of filling an abstract concept with life, it is an almost impossible challenge. A young Afro-German woman from Berlin embarks on a search for her roots. In the process, not only is the changing relationship between the GDR and Mozambique made clear, but above all the question of identity, belonging and independence is posed. Based on this personal story, the successful essay film explores other independence movements and gives a voice to people from South Sudan, Catalonia, Great Britain and Bavaria. The struggle for independence, be it Brexit or the national Bavarian party, is neither judged nor ridiculed, but taken seriously. By playing out independence on three levels – the personal, the political and the symbolic – on the theater stage, the film develops a tremendous pull, making it seem effortless and immediate. Only when the question of belonging has been clarified can one be truly independent.

Jury statement BEST MUSIC IN A DOCUMENTARY FILM: The award for Best Music in a Documentary goes to a film that completely convinced and inspired us. The music and sound make an extraordinary contribution to the poetry and radiance of this all-round strong work, which fills an inherently abstract subject with life and emotion: In INDEPENDENCE, director and author Felix Meyer-Christian and composer Marcus Thomas bring us closer to the psychological and physical force of questions of identity and independence.
Elements of theater performance, installation, field recording, music and sound design are impressively interwoven here and together form an archaic body of sound that contributes significantly to the identity of the film through its dramaturgical use – in conjunction with the image.
The multi-layered, emotionally gripping sound design, which skillfully combines music and sound design in its sound quality, becomes the protagonist, reflects the inner search for identity and convinced us as a jury.