Fourth class carriage
I am very pleased. After more than three years of work, my new novel is ready. It will be published on December 13th and can already be pre-ordered online and in bookshops. (For example here on the publisher's website)
Here is a first glimpse into the story:
A post-war refugee girl fights against silence
Summer 1948: 16-year-old Martha is a refugee girl from East Prussia. She found accommodation with her father in a discarded train wagon on the outskirts of a Bavarian village. There are rumors about the wagon, especially about its former resident Alois Roth. The man disappeared without a trace during the Nazi era.
When Martha hears about it, she becomes curious. What kind of person was Alois Roth? Why did he live in this lonely car? She starts asking. But nobody in town wants to talk about it. There are things that should be left to rest, it just says. But Martha is not deterred. She wants to find out the truth - even if it hurts.
The moving novel is based on true events and thorough research. It sensitively tells about war trauma and repression, about the question of guilt and the search for the truth.
09.01.2017
"Fog in August"
starting in italian Cinemas
On January 12 the movie "Fog in August" will be screened in italian cinemas. Thus the tragic and touching story of Ernst Lossa will be released in that country, where the boy has his family roots. Bartholomäus Lossa, one of Ernst's anchestors, immigrated 200 years ago from Italy to Germany.
The movie NEBBIA IN AGOSTO will be released in italian dubbed version.
In January also the book will be released in Italy. "Nebbia in Agosto" will be published by Mondadori.
03.10.2016
Critics celebrate "Fog in August"
"A powerful film", "a deeply touching drama with excellent actors, precise descriptions and vivid images", "energetic", "genuine", "gripping" - after the cinema release the movie "Nebel im August" was praised by numerous critics.
Here is an overview (in German).
International Award
Two international Awards for NEBEL IM AUGUST at the worlwide leading Children-Filmfestival Giffoni in Italy. www.giffonifilmfestival.it/en/winners-2016.html
See also https://www.collinafilm.de/en/portfolio/fog-in-august/
The official Website for the movie NEBEL IM AUGUST
The website for the movie NEBEL IM AUGUST is online. There you find the trailer and the summary. The website also contains informations for schools (only in German). nebelimaugust.de
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30.06.2016
German Cinema Award for Peace – The Bridge for "Nebel im August"
A further prestigious award for the movie "Nebel im August": Kai Wessel, director of the film, was awarded for the national German Cinema Award for Peace – The Bridge. The german actress Maria Furtwängler presented the award in the Munich Cuvilliés-Theater. She said in her laudation, to film this story, it needs "a clear, uncorruptible, human attitude. And that is precisely, what this enlightenment, perfect produced and performed movie, which is a tribute to the power of cinema and at the same time a deeply touching plea for humanity."
Here the video summary of the event.
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Bavarian Film Award
for the Director
of "Nebel im August"
First Award for the film "Nebel im August" (Fog in August): On 15 January 2016 Kai Wessel (right), director of the film, was honoured with the Bavarian Film Award as Best Director. It is the highest distinction for filmmakers in Bavaria. At the gala in Munich Prinzregententheater Robert Domes (center) and Dr. Michael v. Cranach (left) handed the award to Kai Wessel.
Domes: "I am very pleased and proud that the movie, which exists so far only in a raw version, has already been awarded. Kai Wessel has created a wonderful atmosphere of joy, mindfulness and respect during the shooting. And this certainly carries over to the film. He fully deserves this award."
Here the ZDF press release regarding this issue. And here is the live coverage of the BR in library. The award for "Fog in August" starts at 2:19:15 min.
