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Der übers Meer kam

The One who Crossed the Sea

Jonas Riemer // Austria, Germany // 2020 // 09:31 min

Animation, Documentary, Experimental

Synopsis:
A man escapes East Germany for the West in a folding boat via the Baltic. However, his newly gained freedom quickly turns into a lack of orientation, until he finds support and a new home in a nascent nationalist movement.

Three Questions for the Director

1. Short Film has a unique way of telling stories and exploring themes. What is it that fascinates you about the short format?

The short film offers much more creative freedom. Most people's viewing habits are attuned to feature-length films, so there are certain subconscious expectations when it comes to form and dramaturgy. That doesn't exist in short film, and that's why you're much freer. In addition, there are certain ideas and concepts that only work over a short period of time.

2. The program your film is selected for is called “Hier hast du Beine, jetzt kannst du laufen.”: What connection do you see between your film and that title?

My film is about a brave man who used his legs to flee a dictatorship and find freedom. Ironically, at some point he stopped. Physically and mentally. He didn't look to the future, but longed for the past and wished to return to some kind of dictatorship. So I think legs are great tools, but you have to learn to use them. You can walk with them, stop, or in some cases walk backwards....

3. What film has inspried you most to make films yourself and what part of it do you see in your own work?

There are a loooot of them, of course, but if I had to choose one (or three), it would be the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Especially when I saw the 20 hours of bonus material as a teenager, I was completely overwhelmed. And I still am today.
I love that these films are very complex on so many levels and create something new in every area. In the end, it's like a well conducted orchestra. Loud and fast, but also slow and quiet with a solo part for each instrument.
I think that's something I try to create in my own work as well. Telling stories through all the different tools (acting, cinematography, music, sound, etc.) and giving the departments the freedom to innovate.