Questions about morality are explored in our movie production
Let's dive into the shift from laughs to politics with Maik Lüdemann and Max Ahrens
Hamburg, baby! These two filmmakers, Maik Lüdemann and Max Ahrens, have been shaking up the city's film scene with their unique styles. From the hilarious antics of "Karacholand" to the heartwarming journey of "Lukas taucht", they've left audiences in stitches and tears. But it seems they've traded their laugh tracks for a more serious tune with their latest project. Politics, here they come!
But why the sudden change? Let's find out!
The duo behind the documentary "Kein Land für Niemand"
Maik and Max go way back, bonding in film school in 2014. Their shared passion for storytelling led them to collaborate on their early projects. Meanwhile, they explored other avenues, such as Maik's stint on the rescue ship "Minden" in the Mediterranean, where he made a documentary in 2016. Discussions with Max about that experience planted the seed that would soon bloom into "Kein Land für Niemand".
Fast forward to 2022, and the two sat down to discuss the dire state of migration. The situation had grown bleak since 2016, and it was time to make a film about it.
"Are you happy with the outcome and format?"
In a word, yes! Both filmmakers have discovered their passion for documentaries through this project. Their sincere dedication shows as they speak with conviction about their film's impact.
- Flight and Family - A raw glimpse into the brutal present
- Klandestin- A political drama revealing power struggles
- Interview with Bahareh Ebrahimi- Discussing the fear of a political future in Germany
From laughter to the harsh realities of politics
"Kein Land für Niemand" provides a chilling depiction of how the once-welcoming words of former Chancellor Angela Merkel have shifted to an anti-asylum policy. It's a sobering look at the current state of migration in Germany.
Bringing civil society into the fold
Involving six civil society organizations, including Sea-Eye, Sea-Watch, United4Rescue, German Doctors, Pro Asyl, and the Mennonite Relief Organization was crucial for the project's success. Lüdemann and Ahrens approached Gorden Isler, the chairman of Sea-Eye, in 2022 with their idea. The filmmakers aimed to make a statement, allowing various NGOs to unite behind it.
An unbiased, empathetic approach
By avoiding a moral outcry, the film is able to raise questions that linger with the audience. The duo carefully considered the tone they'd set, hoping to reach a wide audience, not just the left-leaning bubble.
Voices of the opposition
To fully understand the depth of the issue, Lüdemann and Ahrens spoke to right-wing politicians, like Martina Schweinsburg, even when her views were in stark contrast to their own. By doing so, they hoped to shed light on the perceptions and mindsets that drive such policies.
- "It's about more than just administrative simplifications. It's about systematic exclusions" - Max Ahrens
Redefining the migration narrative
By approaching the topic with nuance and complexity, Lüdemann and Ahrens hope to challenge the oversimplified discourse surrounding migration. They dream of a day when the conversation is grounded in facts, empathy, and solutions that work for everyone.
Growing through the process
The filmmaking journey has left these two filmmakers with a newfound sense of empathy and desensitization. It's a delicate balance between being moved by the stories they've told and maintaining objectivity as storytellers.
Looking to the future
While the film remains reserved when it comes to solutions, Lüdemann and Ahrens offer insights into what it takes to counter the dehumanizing discourse in Germany. They call for anti-fascist economic policies, better media representation, and a more nuanced, human-centric approach to the migration debate.
With "Kein Land für Niemand", they've shown that they're not afraid to tackle difficult subjects and challenge the status quo. Here's to many more thought-provoking films from these two fearless storytellers.
- The documentaries of Maik Lüdemann and Max Ahrens, such as "Kein Land für Niemand", have expanded beyond the realm of entertainment and now touch upon policy-and-legislation and politics, particularly the topic of migration in Germany.
- Beyond movies-and-tv, the filmmakers have expressed interest in civil society and general-news, collaborating with six organizations for their documentary "Kein Land für Niemand", including Sea-Eye, Sea-Watch, United4Rescue, German Doctors, Pro Asyl, and the Mennonite Relief Organization.
- The latest project of Maik Lüdemann and Max Ahrens, "Kein Land für Niemand", discusses not only the harsh realities of the current migration situation in Germany but also delves into entertainment-related policies, such as Angela Merkel's shift from a welcoming attitude towards an anti-asylum policy.
