FRED Film Radio - English Channel

German director Tom Tykwer has opened the 75th Berlin International film festival with his new film The Light

Screening in Berlinale Special, the film marks the director’s comeback to stories sent in our present time. 

Indeed, Tykwer spent the last decade working on Babylon Berlin so he was now ready for a story of a modern day dysfunctional family. 

Composed by father (Lars Eidinger), mother (Nicolette Krebitz ) and twin brothers Elke Biesendorfer and Julius Gause, the film follow their journey into understanding the enormous contradictions they live profoundly in. 

In its way of talking about today’s world, the film is very political and therefore, perfect to open the Berlinale which is and it always will be a “political “ festival or, to quote its director Tricia Tuttle, “an act of resistance”.

Tatiana Fuentes Sadowski's documentary "The Memory of Butterflies", was inspired by a photograph of two Indigenous men, Omarino and Aredomi, who were taken to London around the early 20th century to be "civilized." This image prompted her to explore their story and the broader impact of the colonial rubber trade in Latin America.

In her research, Sadowski faced challenges in uncovering this complex history, particularly in deconstructing official narratives.

Engaging with Indigenous communities in Peru, she shared the photograph and documented their reactions, which significantly influenced the documentary's direction.

Through this film, Sadowski aims to recover lost stories from the rubber boom era, offering a counter-history to colonial narratives.

At the 75th Berlinale, we sat down with directors Leon Vidmar and Jean-Claude Rozec, two of the creative minds behind "Tales from the Magic Garden". Presented in the Generation section, this European stop-motion film combines multiple storytelling voices to craft a seamless narrative.

The Origin of Tales from the Magic Garden

The film originated from Czech producer Martin Vandas and director David Sukup, who envisioned a collaborative omnibus-style project. They adapted the works of Arnold Goldflam, inviting international directors, including Leon Vidmar and Jean-Claude Rozec, to contribute.

"It was a challenge to unify different stories into one seamless film," says Jean-Claude Rozec. His role was to connect the three individual tales into a cohesive overarching story.

A Film About Grief and Storytelling

At its heart, "Tales from the Magic Garden" is about loss and imagination. The main storyline follows three children coping with their grandmother’s passing by telling stories—just as she once did for them. Each story within the film is directed by a different filmmaker, reflecting this multi-perspective approach.

The Challenge of a Multi-Director Film

Creating a consistent artistic vision while working separately was a significant challenge. Leon Vidmar explains: "At first, it was difficult because we each had our own creative ideas. But we had to compromise and trust that everything would come together." Despite the hurdles, the result is a unified film rather than a disconnected anthology.

The Magic of Stop-Motion Animation

One of the film’s standout elements is its stop-motion animation. According to Leon Vidmar, this technique was the perfect choice:

"Stop-motion brings an organic imperfection that makes characters feel human. Puppets, like us, have flaws—and that makes them relatable."

Jean-Claude Rozec adds: "It also fits the surreal tone of Goldflam’s stories. There’s something magical about making puppets come to life frame by frame."

A True European Production

The film's contributions from different countries are a testament to international collaboration. While cultural differences were minimal, Jean-Claude Rozec notes: "I had to adapt to the style of the other directors while maintaining a personal touch."

The Ingredients for a Great Story

When asked about the key ingredients for storytelling, Leon Vidmar humorously responds: "A globe, a chair, and a shoe!" Meanwhile, Jean-Claude Rozec reflects: "Drama, chaos, and joy—plus the passion to share stories with the world."

At the 75th Berlinale Film Festival, Mexican film director and screenwriter Fernando Eimbcke presented his new film, "Olmo", featured in the Panorama section. This deeply personal coming-of-age story explores the delicate balance between youthful independence and familial responsibility. Olmo, a teenager, is torn between taking care of his father and attending a party, a journey that ultimately brings him back to the realization that family, despite its complexities, is irreplaceable.

The Origin of Olmo’s Story

Eimbcke co-wrote "Olmo" with longtime friend and writer Vanesa Garnica. Their shared teenage experiences laid the foundation for the narrative. “We started with a simple idea and built on it, focusing on character depth rather than conventional structure,” Eimbcke explains. The result is a deeply human exploration of relationships between parents and children.

A Personal Reflection on Family

For Fernando Eimbcke, making "Olmo" was a transformative experience. “Every film teaches you something,” he shares. Writing and directing the film allowed him to reflect on his own family dynamics. “Families are complicated. They create wounds but also heal them.” Olmo is not an idealized portrayal of family life but rather a heartfelt love letter to its imperfections.

Understanding Parents Beyond Their Roles

A central theme in "Olmo" is the realization that parents are not just authority figures but individuals with their own vulnerabilities. “There’s a pivotal moment when Olmo sees his mother as a human being with needs, rather than just his mother,” Eimbcke notes. This shift in perspective is a key moment in Olmo’s journey to maturity.

Conclusion

Fernando Eimbcke’s "Olmo" is a poignant, beautifully crafted film that delves into the struggles and warmth of family life. Produced by Oscar-winning Plan B producers Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner (Nickel Boys, Minari, Moonlight) and Teorema’s Eréndira Núñez Larios and Michel Franco, through its authentic storytelling, evocative cinematography, and powerful music, "Olmo" resonates deeply with audiences, leaving them with a renewed appreciation for the people who shape their lives.

"Fwends" by director Sophie Somerville's explores the transitional phase from adolescence to adulthood through the reunion of two friends.

Set against the backdrop of Melbourne in spring, the film captures the city's influence on the narrative and aesthetic.

Somerville balances existential themes with humour, reflecting on the challenges of being in one's 20s.

The incorporation of special effects and improvisation adds depth to the storytelling and character development.

In "Home Sweet Home", director Frelle Petersen continues his exploration of Southern Jutland's ordinary lives, focusing on Sofie, a divorced mother who becomes a home care aide in rural Denmark.

Frelle Petersen's personal experience working in home healthcare deeply influenced the film's narrative and character development, providing authentic insights into the emotional challenges faced by caregivers.

The casting of non-professional actors alongside professionals enhances the story's realism, reflecting the genuine dynamics of small-town communities.

"Home Sweet Home" aims to resonate with international audiences by highlighting the universal themes of compassion, resilience, and the intricate balance between professional duties and personal life.

Slovenian director Urška Djukić premieres her debut feature film, "Little Trouble Girls "in the Perspectives section at the Berlinale 2025

The film was developed at the 39th edition of the Cannes Cinéfondation Residency, in 2019 and later was awarded as the best work-in-progress project at the Les Arcs Film Festival in December 2023.

"Little Trouble Girls" follows 16-year-old Lucia who’s part of her Catholic school's all-girls choir and is struggling to find her “voice”, her place in the world as adulthood, sexual tension and doubts arise with her coming of age. 

Djukić admits the film was also her way of giving phiscally and metaphorically space to female voices which have been silenced so often throughout history. 

The film will also be released in Italy by Tucker Film.

In "When Lightning Flashes Over the Sea", director Eva Neymann captures the resilience of Odesa's residents amidst war, highlighting the enduring dreams and strength of Odesa's people.

Neymann's personal experiences during the war deeply influenced the documentary's perspective, adding an incredible layer of authenticity to the narration .

The title of the film is a tribute to the hope that dreams will always come true when a lightning flashes over the sea....

The Soup of The Day

Lo Show quotidiano The Soup of The Day firmato FRED Film Radio direttamente dalla 75esima edizione del Festival di Berlino.

In compagnia di Angelo Acerbi e Chiara Nicoletti insieme a tanti ospiti, per parlare ogni giorno degli eventi e delle curiosità del Festival.

Da non perdere!

The Berlinale Talents 2025, running from February 15 to 20, 2025  has started its programme under the big family of Berlinale Prò* .

Its theme is running under the title "Listen Courageously – Cinematic Narratives in Times of Dissonance" and every activity and initiative is developing this “mantra”. 

With 200 selected Talents, exceptional emerging filmmakers from all over the world coming to Berlin, they are taking part in an exciting program of internal workshops, think tanks, panel talks, discussions and more, all of which run alongside the approximately 16 events which are open to public audiences.

Berlinale Talents management duo, Nikola Joetze and Tobias Pausinger introduce us to the Talents under their direction and comment on the creative role the Talents has in a filmmaker journey inside the Berlinale Pro* .