Agnieszka Holland to helm Marlene Dietrich biopic 'Berlinweh - Yearning for a Home'

Journey Through Identity: Marlene Dietrich's Enduring Legacy

Filmmaker Agnieszka Holland Embarks on a New Project: A Glimpse into the Life of Marlene Dietrich

The acclaimed Polish director, Agnieszka Holland, has unveiled her plans for an upcoming feature film, a biographical portrayal of the iconic Marlene Dietrich, provisionally titled “Berlinweh – Yearning for a Home.” Films Boutique will be managing the global distribution of the movie.

Holland's Cinematic Achievements: A Legacy of Acclaim and Nominations

Holland has previously garnered Oscar nominations for her films “Europa Europa” (1990), “In Darkness” (2011), and “Angry Harvest” (1985), showcasing her consistent ability to craft compelling and critically recognized narratives.

Collaborative Production: Uniting Talents for the Dietrich Biopic

“Berlinweh” is being brought to life by the same production collective responsible for Holland's film “Franz.” This collaboration includes the Berlin-based X Filme Creative Pool, Marlene Film Production from the Czech Republic, and British-Irish producer Mike Downey. The narrative is penned by screenwriter Ingo Rasper.

Exploring Key Eras: Dietrich's Life Unfolds Across Decades and Continents

The film delves into Dietrich's experiences during four defining periods in her life, spanning distinct decades and cultural-political landscapes: Paris in 1937, Bergen-Belsen in 1945, Tel Aviv in 1960, and a return to Paris in 1983.

Holland's Personal Connection: Finding Resonance in Dietrich's Complexities

Holland expressed her recurring draw to depicting historical figures, stating, “Each time I tell myself I won't make films about real, famous people anymore… and then someone emerges from the past who asks me the most important, most timely questions, in whose choices I can find my own choices and anxieties.”

Dietrich's Multifaceted Persona: A Study in Contradictions

She further elaborated on Dietrich's complex nature: “Marlene Dietrich was a tangle of contradictions: a glamour star, yet an outstanding actress, singer and soldier; a selfish ego-centrist and a loyal, magnanimous friend and lover; a fighter for human rights, full of fears and uncertainties; a German who, in the eyes of many of her countrymen, became a traitor.”

A Non-Linear Narrative: Capturing the Essence of a Life

Holland emphasized that the film will not follow a chronological narrative. Instead, it will focus on crucial turning points that illuminate the most significant and universal aspects of Dietrich's journey, reflecting the experience of an artist, a citizen, and a human being, with strong contemporary relevance.

A European Vision: Bridging Cultures and Challenging Norms

Uwe Schott and Josephine Blume from X Filme commented on the film's significance, particularly in the current global climate: “At a time when cultural dialogue and moral courage are once again being tested, ‘Berlinweh’ stands for the kind of European cinema that reaches far beyond national borders. Agnieszka Holland’s transnational body of work perfectly align with Marlene’s journey between nations, languages and identities.”

The Production Team: A Reunion of Creative Forces

The film's production credits include Schott and Blume representing X Filme Creative Pool, Šárka Cimbalová for Marlene Film Production, and Downey, with Jean-Christophe Simon, as co-producer for Parallel45 on the French side.

Unveiling Dietrich's Spirit: Independence, Anti-Fascism, and Gender Norms

Cimbalová and Downey shared their enthusiasm for the project, building on past successful collaborations with Holland. They highlighted that “Berlinweh – Yearning for a Home” delves into themes central to Dietrich's life, such as her fierce independence, dedication to anti-fascism, and willingness to challenge traditional gender roles, remarking, “What’s not to like?”