Stella, a German Life: The Story of a Historic Betrayal (trailer)

Paula Beer plays a woman responsible for capturing 600 to 3,000 Jews. “For me, the biggest challenge was overcoming the rejection that the character inspired in me,” said Kilian Riedhof, its director.

The German director Kilian Riedhof (You won’t have my hatred) paints the portrait of a divisive figure from the Second World War: Stella Goldschlag. This guilty tragedy tells the journey of a German Jewish woman with Aryan features, who decides to collaborate with the Gestapo to save the lives of her parents. In the press release, the filmmaker explains the challenges of making a film on such a figure today:

“Ultimately, it is a film that questions us. What would you do if you were in such a situation? What would you do if you were a young human being living in a dictatorship? It is obvious that the subject is more relevant today than ever“, expressed the director.

Stella ignores a historical figure who is difficult to judge and that is the complexity of this character who is both victim and executioner. Stella Goldschlag led to the capture of 600 to 3,000 Jews.

“I was fascinated by Stella from the moment I discovered her story. Of course, I wonder about the origin of this fascination. Perhaps because she seems like a very modern character, who aspires not only to survive, but also to flourish and prosper. She is both guilty and victim. It is not easy to judge her. I felt terribly close to her.”

The leading role is played by Paula Beerknown to the French-speaking public in 2016 with Frantz of François Ozon Or for the role of Diane in The song of the wolf ofAntonin Baudry.

For a better transcription of this historical period, Kilian Riedhof has carried out a titanic archive work.

“For me, the biggest challenge was overcoming the rejection that the character inspired in me. In fictional stories, to return to the present moment after filming intense scenes, we can always tell ourselves that“It’s just a fiction”, like a mantra. But in Stella’s case, the terrible truth is that it all really happened.“, confides the director.

Stella, a German life will be released in theaters on January 17, 2024.

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