"Crimean Zeal Found in Southern Burgenland": Enthusiasm from Crimea Discovered in South Burgenland
Revamped Read:
Hear ye, hear ye! Martina Parker, the smash-hit author behind "Zuagroast," is still in awe of the filming adventure these past few weeks!
Her debut novel, set in her hometown of South Burgenland, Originally, this novel came to life, came to life on the big screen with top-tier talent like Hilde Dalik, Manuel Rubey, Eva Maria Marold, and Michael Steinocher gracing its scenes. The authentic filming locations within the district of Oberwart left no stone (or scene) unturned, with a whopping 168 locals becoming recognizable "Zuagroasts."
"Zuagroast": A Crime Thriller from South Burgenland Galore
Martina couldn't help but feel sheer joy as the region embraced the film project with unparalleled enthusiasm. Many local luminaries took part in the filming, creating a sense of community and familiarity around the production. Even some members of the crew admitted they'd never experienced such fervor!
Ladybug Boss
When asked about her most cherished moment during the filming, Martina shared, "It was a string of memorable moments. The vibe on set was simply electric, and I'm still in awe of what I got to witness and learn throughout the shoot. I watched as the props team trained ladybugs, learned how the makeup team crafts lifelike dirt, sweat, and dark circles, and was captivated by the set painter who added mold and cracks to a new facade to make it look like an ancient Urlioma house. The production of Zuagroast is the result of meticulous perfectionists with heart, and I can hardly wait to witness the final product!"
Pentecost Weekend Plans?
Apart from Buchschachen, Kohfidisch, and Eisenberg, filming also took place in Pinkafeld. Our team personally met up with the main actors, Hilde Dalik, and Manuel Rubey, during the Pinkafeld Town Hall shoot.
Dalik, starring as local journalist Vera Horvath, shared her thoughts: "Every film set poses its challenges, and Zuagroast was no exception. Whether the weather was brutal or Fido misbehaved, challenges provided life and spontaneity to the picture. In the theater, you rehearse lines for weeks, but here you usually have just a few minutes to make the scene work. Despite the tight timeline, the atmosphere on set was always incredibly respectful, and the entire crew went above and beyond."
Dream Land for Ungustl
Manuel Rubey, best known for playing Ungustl, takes on a new Ungustl role in "Zuagroast." Specifically, he embodies the role of narcissistic architect Paul Achleitner, whose questionable dealings and numerous affairs eventually lead to his abrupt disappearance. A gruesome end indeed! Although we won't provide too many spoilers (South) Burgenland dialect style: "He got what was coming to him."
Book
First published in 2024, "Zuagroast" made Martina Parker an immediate literary sensation. The book has since been reprinted 13 times, with 15,000 copies of the first part of the garden crime saga featuring the Klub der Grünen Daumen flying off the shelves!
Movie
The 90-minute film "Zuagroast - A Garden Crime" will grace the Joyn streaming platform this fall, followed by its TV premiere on ServusTV in January 2026.
Home of Stinatz burned down: Manuel Rubey offered some poignant words, stating: "It took me a couple of sleepless nights to decide whether to take this role because, while it's a great opportunity, I needed to prepare myself physically and emotionally. As I get older, I'm beginning to understand that we're all multifaceted figures, and life itself is incredibly ambivalent. Yet, you don't have to be an utter jerk like Paul Achleitner in the book. People like him exist, even in South Burgenland. Although the area here is a slice of heaven."
Rubey expressed admiration for the locals involved: "I spent eight hours as a fish out of water (quite literally) in the pool with 120 extras, but they were all charmingly supportive. It was a bit like being on a ski course – friendly, fun, and welcoming. I've always felt at ease here in South Burgenland, and the set felt like a second home."
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- The films and TV series based on Martina Parker's novel "Zuagroast" offer a fascinating exploration in the realm of entertainment.
- The region of South Burgenland, with its authentic filming locations, serves as an appealing backdrop for the movie and TV entertainment.
