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Tickets Hofer Filmtage

That’s it in Hof

The Hof International Film Festival is over. An exciting festival and many interesting people. I’m a little nostalgic, but after a week of continuous action, some rest is welcome, too. But in a few days it will be over again when we are sitting in the plane to New Zealand (big grin on our faces). I will definitely miss the club talks, which were interactive discussions. But of course I will miss all the other stuff and the friendliness of the people here.

Team Camille, Dominic Grünberg on the Microphone
Photo: © Hendrik Ertel

Saturday was our third and last screening of Camille. The cinema was even bigger than the two before and also sold out. So even more people saw our film, and this time we also got a lot of encouragement. There was a detailed Q & A, and afterwards, even more people came up to us and asked questions or just made comments.

Films seen during the period: 10 long films, 3 medium-length films and 4 short films. My very clear recommendation is “The Lunchbox“, which I would like to buy later. Of course there were some films where I asked myself: why?! But the majority of them I liked very much. “Chasing Ice” is an interesting documentary about climate change with impressive pictures. “As time goes by in Shanghai” is just very bizarre, and the director had a lot of funny anecdotes to tell. And “Enough said” is a nice Hollywood movie.

Those who are in Hof should also visit the Season’s, which consists of a little store and a restaurant. We went there three times because we liked it so much and because the team is just great. They serve delicious food, beautifully prepared for the eye, served by a great service team. And because the boss liked us, there was even VIP treatment (seat without reservation), which the rest of the team quickly realized (“oh you’re the boys!”). Therefore it was even worth a detour.

That’s it, see you next time!

Curtain in Cinema

Premiere of Camille

Earlier today was the premiere of Camille in Hof. The cinema was cozy and so crowded that some people sat on the stairs. To see the film on the big screen is of course something special. After the screening we were all brought on stage and the host asked a few questions about the film. There were no questions from the audience, but there was one comment. And it was noted that the camera work was very enjoyable. Also in front of the cinema while passing by someone said it again. This is something I enjoy to hear!

Camile Filmposter

Camille at the Hof International Film Festival

Camille Film PosterCamille, Camille, filmed this spring, will be shown at the 47th International Hof International Film Festival. The film, for which I am responsible as lighting director of photography, will celebrate its premiere there. Some of the team will be on location in Hof the whole time. I am especially curious about the reactions of the audience.

And that’s what this it’s about: “In her loneliness, the young masseuse Camille experiences an everyday life determined by constraints and rules. Not being able to accept herself, she withdraws more and more into a self-imposed isolation. Camille’s controlled life changes upon secret observation of her neighbour, who awakens sexual fantasies in her, and gives her the courage to change.”

The presentation times are already available: The premiere will be on 23.10. (Wednesday) at 7:30 pm in the cinema “Club”. On 24.10. (Thursday) at 22:30 in the cinema “Classic” and on 26.10. (Saturday) at 21:00 in the cinema “City” there will be two more screenings.

This film is a good example of how efficient filmmaking with friends and colleagues can be. Among others, two former colleagues from action concept times, whom I have known for many years, have worked on it. Alexander Pauckner, cameraman and Steadicam operator (also on this film), created fantastic lighting as gaffer. And Mario Loibl, as one of the best camera assistants I know, made everything perfectly sharp even in the most difficult shots. Because we’ve known each other for so long, we were able to respond very well to each other. The independence with which the two of them carried out their tasks allowed me to take a deep breath again and again.

Wildleber

Meals from the herb garden

Roasted leg of venison, in September herb sauce, baked herb tomato, green nettle Knöpfle.
Roasted leg of venison, in September herb sauce, baked herb tomato, green nettle Knöpfle.

Last weekend I was visiting home again. My grandparents suggested to go to a restaurant where the meals are made with many natural ingredients from the region.

Nearly every dish is at least refined with wild herbs there. So it should not be surprising if there is a little daisy on the leg of venison, which of course can be eaten as well. Just like everything you get served (except the dishes…). Most of us chose the menu which consisted of many small courses, well portioned and extremely diverse. During the main course we were even asked if we wanted a second serving, but none of us made use of that. You surely get stuffed here. And there is also no rush, as the restaurant is completely dedicated to slow food.

Wild herbs menu of the restaurant "Deutsche Eiche".
Wild herbs menu of the restaurant “Deutsche Eiche”.

Slow Food, basically the opposite of fast food, stands for regionality and authentic preparation, among other things. On the website of the “Deutsche Eiche” (German Oak), for example, it says: “In the oak, the subject of “food” is as untainted as the food itself. We do not use genetically modified and colourful packets, flavour enhancers and convenience products. We produce our own minced meat as required. Basic sauces and stocks for soups are cooked here – how else are we going to use a whole Galloway?” We all enjoyed it very much. And even the things we didn’t like, we have fond memories of. All in all, it was definitely an experience.

Update: Unfortunately the restaurant no longer exists in this form.

New Zealand Map

Travel preparations

Soon we will be heading to New Zealand and Hong Kong. In New Zealand we want to rent a car, drive around on the North Island and see a lot. Since we don’t know yet what we want to see at all, we simply nailed a map to the wall and marked interesting places on it. The planning has now rested for some time, but will soon be resumed with full speed.