Unveiling 'The Secret Floor': A Time-Traveling Adventure with a Historical Twist
In a hidden realm within an ancient Alpine hotel, a captivating tale unfolds, offering a unique perspective on a dark chapter of history. 'The Secret Floor' (Das geheime Stockwerk) is a family-friendly film that dares to confront the past, aiming to educate children about the horrors of Nazi Germany.
This German-Austrian-Luxembourgish collaboration, brought to life by Kevin Lee Film Germany, Amour Fou Vienna, Amour Fou Luxembourg, and the talented director/producer Norbert Lechner (known for 'The Wall Between Us'), is based on a script by Katrin Milhahn and Antonia Rothe-Liermann. The film stars an impressive cast, including Silas John, Annika Benzin, Maximilian Reinwald, Marie Jung, Maximilian Simonischek, and Tobias Resch, with sales handled by The Playmaker.
Imagine a 12-year-old boy, Karli, who moves into an old hotel and stumbles upon a hidden elevator. Little does he know, this elevator is not just any ordinary lift; it's a gateway to the past, specifically to the year 1938! Karli befriends Hannah, a brave Jewish girl, and Georg, a shoeshine boy. However, their friendship is tested when Georg is falsely accused of theft, and the children find themselves entangled in a mysterious case hidden within the hotel's walls. As the shadows of Nazi Germany loom larger, the children must navigate this dangerous time in history.
Shot at two former hotels in Austria and Luxembourg, 'The Secret Floor' has already made its mark at various film festivals. It won the Children's Jury Award at the Zlín Film Festival in Czechia, received honors for Best Feature Film and Best Actor at Germany's Goldener Spatz, and took home the Tommy Hilfiger Special Award at the Giffoni Film Festival. You can catch a glimpse of this captivating film by watching the trailer here.
As the film prepares for its screening at the 29th edition of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF), director Norbert Lechner shares his insights into the making of 'The Secret Floor' and the impact it has had on audiences.
The idea for the film originated from a personal experience of Antonia Rothe-Liermann, who grew up in the GDR. She recalls being shown a film about Auschwitz at the age of eight, which left her deeply shocked and unable to sleep for months. As an adult and a screenwriter, she pondered how to convey such a difficult time in history to children without traumatizing them. Lechner, who had previously collaborated with Rothe-Liermann on two films, was immediately drawn to the concept.
In their research, the team looked to time-travel classics like 'Back to the Future' for inspiration. They consulted with scientists and historians to ensure historical accuracy and developed a unique blend of a criminal investigation and historical narrative. Lechner explains, "We had a lot of drafts, but it all came together."
The film's impact on audiences, especially children and their families, has been a rewarding experience for Lechner and his team. He believes the film's strength lies in its dual timeline, with the story unfolding in both Nazi Germany and the present day. This approach, he says, "prevents the past from being pushed into the distance."
Young audiences, like Karli, may be taken aback by the harsh realities of life during Nazi rule. However, moments of humor, such as Karli's interactions with kids in 1938 about their outdated outfits and technology, provide a lighthearted contrast. Lechner highlights the "culture clash" between the past and present, which is reflected in the dialogue, with the use of period-specific words like 'famos' (splendid).
Working with child actors, many of whom were new to acting, required extensive preparation. Lechner recalls a year-long rehearsal process, involving improvisation to help the young actors understand the stark differences in lifestyle and movement between their time and the past. For instance, the actors playing Nazi boys had to embody the tension and military-like posture of their characters, while Annika Benzin had to learn how to curtsy.
The film's premiere at the Goldener Spatz in Gera, Germany, was an eye-opening experience for Lechner and his team. He recalls an evening when the festival guests were dining at a restaurant with large windows. The next day, a demonstration by Neo-Nazis took place, with signs and threatening looks directed towards the festival attendees. It was a stark reminder of the film's relevance and the ongoing battle against hate.
Lechner hopes that 'The Secret Floor' will spark conversations and further exploration of history. He encourages families and teachers to watch the film together, believing that discussing it afterward is crucial. "In Germany, the subject of the Third Reich is introduced in school when students are around 14 or 15 years old, which is really too late," he says. "I hope this film provides an opportunity for earlier engagement and discussion."
'The Secret Floor' continues its journey with screenings at the AFM on November 12 and the Philadelphia Jewish Film+ Media Festival on November 14. Lechner has several projects in the works, including another film with the same scriptwriters, set in 1938, but with an adult-focused narrative. The film is based on a book by Hans Habe called 'The Mission', exploring the Évian Conference organized by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt to discuss the fate of Jewish refugees from Germany and Austria.
'The Secret Floor' is a powerful reminder that history should not be forgotten, and its unique approach to educating young audiences is sure to leave a lasting impression.
