Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg Campus Magazin 23/24

ALUMNI IN FOCUS
to tell, sadly became a parable. There were many discussions
at the “Aka” about whether this film can, may and
should be made. Of course, we explained the political
circumstances there in advance and no one was forced to
take part. With a much smaller team, similar to a documentary
film shoot, we finally realized the project in and
around Duhok. The producer of the film and my mentor
at the time, Mehmet Aktas, had a lot of experience with
filming in the region and was able to protect our team
very well. The Kurdish secret service also supported us
and was able to guarantee our safety. Despite the excitement,
fear and pressure, everything felt very peaceful in
Duhok, also because the people there simply went on
with their lives.
How did your time at FABW affect you and would
you recommend studying in Ludwigsburg?
Definitely! It was the best decision not to stay in Berlin.
My seven years at the Filmakademie were very formative.
I evolved a lot during this time, especially personally
and character-wise. I was able to process a lot
through my films. I wasn’t aware of that at the beginning.
And then, of course, there was this great collective
of many great fellow students and their films, which
had a great impact on me. It’s a microcosm, but one
that brings about great changes. You are very focused
on yourself and there are hardly any distractions like in
big cities, which is why everything is so intense in Ludwigsburg
and at the “Aka”. It really takes it out of you because
the curriculum is full and you have to cope with
a lot. But out in the film business it’s no different. That’s
why it’s a great preparation for the harsh reality of film
(laughs). I’m still in contact with my Aka friends, such as
Nora Fingscheidt (graduate in directing/fiction film, editor’s
note) or Stephan Burchardt (graduate in cinematography),
with whom I’ve realized almost all my film and
series projects for 13 years.
SIEGER SEIN: Besprechung und offizieller Drehstart
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