Swiss short film secures Oscar nomination
As was announced on Thursday, the Swiss short film «Auf der Strecke» has been nominated for an Oscar. Surprisingly, the 30-minute film by director Reto Caffi received not a single cent from the federal government.
It was announced on Thursday that the Swiss short film "Auf der Strecke" has been nominated for an Oscar. The 30-minute film by director Reto Caffi (pictured) did not receive a cent from the federal government.
The film, which was shot the year before last and stars Zurich actor Roeland Wiesnekker (see picture below) and Catherine Jahnke, is already one of the most successful short films worldwide. The film won several national and international awards in 2008, including the Swiss Film Prize and the Student Oscar.
The plot centers on a department store detective who falls in love with a saleswoman. Unable to show her his affection, he secretly observes her. When he witnesses an act of violence committed by youths against a possible rival, he does not intervene - with fatal consequences. This experience and the tormenting questions of guilt do not let go of the main character. His previous life collapses. This is how the Tages-Anzeiger summarizes the plot.
Significantly, the federal government did not consider the film project worthy of support when director Reto Caffi submitted it in 2007. In Locarno, he also received a rejection. And yet: Even without an Oscar, "Auf der Strecke" may already be the most successful Swiss short film of all time.
The Oscars will be held on February 22 at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. The event will be hosted by the "sexiest man alive", Australian Hugh Jackman.
"Auf der Strecke", 30 minutes, Switzerland/Germany 2007. With Roeland Wiesnekker, Catherine Jahnke. Directed by Reto Caffi, written by Reto Caffi and Philippe Zweifel, cinematography by Piotr Rosolowski. (A film clip)
The film, which was shot the year before last and stars Zurich actor Roeland Wiesnekker (see picture below) and Catherine Jahnke, is already one of the most successful short films worldwide. The film won several national and international awards in 2008, including the Swiss Film Prize and the Student Oscar.
The plot centers on a department store detective who falls in love with a saleswoman. Unable to show her his affection, he secretly observes her. When he witnesses an act of violence committed by youths against a possible rival, he does not intervene - with fatal consequences. This experience and the tormenting questions of guilt do not let go of the main character. His previous life collapses. This is how the Tages-Anzeiger summarizes the plot.
Significantly, the federal government did not consider the film project worthy of support when director Reto Caffi submitted it in 2007. In Locarno, he also received a rejection. And yet: Even without an Oscar, "Auf der Strecke" may already be the most successful Swiss short film of all time.
The Oscars will be held on February 22 at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. The event will be hosted by the "sexiest man alive", Australian Hugh Jackman.
"Auf der Strecke", 30 minutes, Switzerland/Germany 2007. With Roeland Wiesnekker, Catherine Jahnke. Directed by Reto Caffi, written by Reto Caffi and Philippe Zweifel, cinematography by Piotr Rosolowski. (A film clip)
