An Interview with Andreas Dresen – Director of German Biopic, From Hilde, With Love
German film director Andreas Dresen has flown to Australia to conduct Q&A’s and present his latest movie From Hilde, With Love at the opening of the German Film Festival in Sydney.
He sat down to talk to City Hub recently and explained that he’s honoured that his WWII themed movie will be opening the festival.
“I’m very honoured! It’s my first time in Australia and it’s a great chance for me to meet the Australian audience and to get a feeling of the reaction to the movie and have discussions about it.”
The movie centers on a brave young German woman named Hilde Coppi (Liv Lisa Fries) who is held captive in prison awaiting her fate after being convicted for treason by the Nazi regime. Pregnant from her lover Hans (Johannes Hegemann) who has also been convicted as a resistant fighter, she realises that her baby will be taken away once delivered.
“These people who were so courageous during these times were just people like you and me. These resistance fighters were considered as superheroes. It was impossible to compare yourself to them. They fought against evil and for what they believed in.”
The movie had its world premiere at the festival in Berlin and has won many awards at different film festivals.
“I had a feeling that the movie was relatable throughout the world, so when the movie screened at the Berlin Film Festival it was sold quickly – in 3 days it was sold worldwide.”
When asked to describe his experience working with Liv Lisa Fries Dresen was quick to respond.
“She is an amazing actress and known worldwide. When I proposed the role to her, she was a bit apprehensive because this role is quite different from her own character. She is in reality a funny and open Berlin girl, but in the film, she had to play the role of a tender character on an emotional rollercoaster.”
Dresen explained that working on this movie was an extremely rewarding experience.
“For me it’s a gift to create a movie and journey with actors on an emotional experience and to bring the story of what happened a long time ago to audiences – a movie that will speak to the people.”
Dresen had the opportunity of meeting the real-life 81-year-old son of Hilde and Hans at the premiere of From Hilde, With Love.
“He lost his parents when he was 9 months old, and now at his age he can see the story of his parents. It’s a justice for them and their destinies, because so many people now who see this story are celebrating what his parents did.”
When asked what message this movie sends out to audiences, Dresen paused momentarily.
“It is always possible to resist, just follow your heart and if you have the feeling that something is wrong in society do something, attempt to fix it, don’t hesitate.”
May 8 – 29
Screening at the German Film Festival at all Palace Cinemas.
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