Pacific Palisades, CA —At Pacific Coast Highway and Sunset Boulevard high on a hill with a stunning view overlooking the ocean is Villa Aurora .   This was once the playground of film icons such as Marlene Dietrich and Charlie Chaplin .   Today Villa Aurora is an exciting artist’s residence, owned by the German government.   It’s contributions to art, music and film is immeasurable.   The same could be said here for the German government.    The partnership between American and German filmmakers has brought thrilling film after film to both European and American audiences, On Saturday February 21 st German Film s, Villa Aurora (Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles) and the Consulate General of The Federal Republic of Germany will host its Pre-Oscar event.   In honor of the German Oscar® nominees: This year they will be honoring the following: Director Wim Wenders -   nominated for THE SALT OF THE EARTH as Best Documentary Feature Team...

Director Marc Bauder with Screenwriter Dörte Franke Los Angeles, CA —I’m a frequent visitor to events put on by the arts arm of the German government.  This time it was at the renowned Goethe-Institut across the street from the Screen Actor’s Guild where I’m a member. They had a real treat for me lined up.   A screening of a film called Das System and a Q&A with the director Marc Bauder and one of the two screenwriters, Dörte Franke .   Afterwards there was a meet and greet reception.   The film was a real thriller.   It interposed East Germany’s dark past with modern day corruption.   The unintended protagonist is a 20 year-old boy, Mike Hiller, played by Jacob Matschenz .   Later in the film, through cinematic magic, Hiller returns to play his presumed father, Rolf.   The young Hiller who survives as a petty criminal,  is sought out by a wealthy fellow, Konrad Böhm played by Bernhard Schütz .    Böhm is...

Andrea Fleckenstein at Villa Aurora Pacific Palisades, CA —High upon a scenic ocean view bluff here is a fabulous villa that was a refuge for Jewish artists that fled from the horror of Adolph Hitler and National Socialism during that terrible war.  Today, decades later Villa Aurora is an epicenter for resident German artists of various disciplines including filmmakers.   There are a lot of special events held here like the one I attended today with my dear and beautiful friend  Andrea Fleckenstein who is again visiting from Berlin.  This was a terrific pre-Oscar Award party honoring actors, producers, and directors who are currently nominated for that coveted little gold statuette.   It was nothing short of terrific to meet so many talented and classy German film industry people all in one place.  I have a pet German film project of my own and what a great place it was to network with people serious about making quality films....