- Title: German film 'Toni Erdmann' celebrated at Cannes party after successful premiere
- Date: 15th May 2016
- Summary: VARIOUS OF GUESTS AT PARTY VARIOUS OF CANDLES VARIOUS OF PARTY UNDERWAY MAN POURING WINE IN GLASS GUESTS DANCING VARIOUS OF PARTY UNDER WAY
- Embargoed: 30th May 2016 11:30
- Keywords: Cannes Film Festival Toni Erdmann Maren Abe
- Location: CANNES, FRANCE
- City: CANNES, FRANCE
- Country: France
- Topics: Film
- Reuters ID: LVA0034HX3J2L
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Germany made a noteworthy return to the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday (May 14), with the third feature film by director Maren Ade, 'Toni Erdmann' getting a warm welcome both by press, critics and audience.
Germany hasn't had a film in the official competition at Cannes since Wim Wenders' 'Palermo Shooting' in 2008.
Lead actor Peter Simonischek, said he did not realise the film would herald Germany's return to Cannes until recently, when he heard from the director that they would be attending the festival.
"You know, while we were shooting, we were not conscious about our responsibility, thank god. We worked with a lot of focus, very freely and very hard. It has now been two years and you can not stay emotionally connected with that for two years," he told Reuters Television during a party organised after the film's premiere," he said.
The joyous and emotional story of a father trying to rebuild lost links with his daughter, received a warm welcome by the critics and could prove a strong contender for the Palme d'Or.
Actress Sandra Huller said she had been very surprised and moved after the film received such a vary response at the premiere.
"It is unbelievable what happened there today, I can not compare (to other premieres). I don't know if they react in that way to all the other movies. I can not judge this, but it was a very beautiful, happy experience. So much encouragement to get for the work we have done, that was very very amazing," she said.
Actors attending a party after the film premiere said they were happy to see German cinema's comeback to the international stage.
"You realize it more from the foreign journalists' comments, because then you realize how much charisma there is right now in German films. I think right now, it is very very good. Everyone is very curious and look a lot at German films. It is quite a good situation," actress Julia Jentsch said.
"Whoever I spoke to and in all the american specialist papers everywhere it's getting such good reviews. Maren Ade is such a great director. It is so nice that German films have found their place again and on top of that in Cannes. It is very rarely the case. It worked out this time and it leaves such a huge impact, that is fantastic," actor Daniel Bruehl said.
In the film, Ines (Sandra Huller), a busy consultant for a petrol company, tries to keep her father Winfried (Peter Simonischek) out of her life, bored by his jokes and afraid he might harm her career.
As he realises the links with his daughter are broken and feels disappointed by who she has become, Winfried decides to create a character, Toni Erdmann, and pretends to meet her for the first time. Although unsuccessful at the beginning, the strategy finally pays off as Ines slowly accepts to take up the challenges he gives her and decides to let it all go. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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