Christian Werner: “I had to make the screenplay my own”

Christian Werner works as a director and author who realises films and documentaries that deal with reality in drama as well as the tragicomedy genre. German director Christian Werner speaks to Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria about developing his own directing style, his debut project, his love for photography and more.

Discover Germany: How did you become a director and author? Has this always been your dream profession?

Christian Werner: “Actually, I was considering studying medicine, but during my time in civil service, which I spent in a hospital, I discovered photography. I was fascinated by the contrasts within the hospital, it really made me think a lot. There were moments when you would pick up a blood sample in the neonatal ward and hear the first “Hello, world” cries of newborns, and then, in the next moment, you would transport a deceased patient to pathology. Experiences like that leave an impression, and through photography, I found a way to process what I had gone through. With my first photography projects, I began studying Visual Communication at the Bauhaus University in Weimar, where I met Günter Reisch (DEFA – former GDR film director), who mentored my first short films. And that’s how it all unfolded up to the present day. For me, it’s the most beautiful profession in the world because with every film, you can step into a new world.”

Discover Germany: You’ve travelled a lot as a photographer. What has been your favorite travel destination so far and why?

Christian Werner: “Photography always remained a hobby because filmmaking is a very consuming and ‘jealous’ thing that demands full attention and time. My favourite photos as a hobby photographer were taken in São Paulo, Brazil, where, at the age of 21, I worked as an intern at a renowned advertising film production company. I walked a lot through the endless concrete jungle of the sprawling metropolis, capturing street life as I went. The energy of the city and its inhabitants is breathtaking, but it’s also not without its dangers.”

Discover Germany: To what extent has the film landscape and your job as a director in Germany changed since the Corona pandemic?

Christian Werner: “I was fortunate to be able to continue working during the pandemic, but it was and still is a significant disruption for many colleagues across all trades. Some even left the industry. I believe the market is currently undergoing a general consolidation. For example, think about the production halts of many fictional projects last year, like those from Sky, or the withdrawal of Paramount+ from the German-speaking market in 2024. However, we are currently witnessing a very exciting phase of change in the entire TV and film landscape. While it’s happening relatively slowly, many interesting formats are emerging, and that presents opportunities for everyone. I’m also convinced that you should always believe in your own films and fight to bring them to life. The film business is often idealistic and associated with high risks. But maybe that’s exactly what makes it so appealing?“

Discover Germany: You primarily produce feature and documentary films. Which genre do you like the most?

Christian Werner: “I have primarily gained experience as a director. So far, I’ve co-produced a short film that was screened at numerous festivals and won awards. Additionally, I independently financed and produced a documentary film. However, I feel most at home as a director and writer in feature films. I’m particularly drawn to character-driven dramas as well as tragicomedies. I believe that in life, tragedy and comedy are often closely intertwined. That’s something we should show more often in film. Think, for example, of Charlie Chaplin and the wonderful scene in Gold Rush, where, tormented by terrible hunger, he eats shoelaces and the sole of a shoe. But he eats them as if he were enjoying a delicious plate of pasta.“

Kommt ein Vogel Geflogen will be shown on 8 December (10:50 PM) and 2 February 2025 (11.50 PM).

Discover Germany: On November 29^th, your debut film Kommt ein Vogel Geflogen was shown on ARTE. What is the film about?

Christian Werner: “Kommt ein Vogel Geflogen is my first cinema feature film, which had its TV premiere on ARTE on November 29. The film is about zookeeper Birgit Singer (42) and her six-year-old daughter Sarah, who take in a stray parrot. Sarah, who stutters, instantly falls in love with the colorful bird, only to be horrified when she discovers that the parrot squawks far-rightwing slogans. This pushes Birgit, already overwhelmed both personally and professionally, to her limits — and, to top it all off, her Jewish in-laws come to visit. On December 8 the movie will be shown on SWR at 10:50 PM.”

Discover Germany:What were your biggest challenges as a director in this format?

Christian Werner: “I had to make the screenplay my own. Before I came on board, there were already editors and producers who had been working on it for a long time. I approached it with a fresh perspective and had many questions about the story and the characters. In the end, we reached a decision that represents a certain compromise for everyone. Nevertheless, I am now quite happy with the film.“

Discover Germany: And what was your favourite moment?

Christian Werner: “I can’t pinpoint a specific moment. The shoot was a major challenge for the entire team and our cast, particularly because we had Pola Friedrichs, a six-year-old girl, on set playing her first leading role. For me, it was fascinating to see how she grew into her role more and more each day and discovered the film set as a place she enjoyed – a space where she could play.”

Discover Germany:You were born in Thuringia. What does home mean to you? Where do you live today and what do you love about the region?

Christian Werner: “Yes, I was born in a village along the ‘Saale hellem Strande’ — not far from Jena and Weimar. My great-grandfather was a hunter and a raftman. I had a sheltered, nature-connected childhood in this village. My love for forests and mountains as a retreat has stayed with me, and whenever I’m there, a walk is a must. For me, home might not be a specific place but rather where friends and family are. For me they between Berlin, Athens, Jena, and Vienna, where I live today.”

Discover Germany: What other wishes and dreams do you have for the future?

Christian Werner: “I hope to continue developing my own unique style. I want my films to resonate with audiences, to touch and entertain them. I am currently working on a children’s feature film about a boy with “healing hands.” I sincerely hope that this film will see the light of day.“

Kommt ein Vogel Geflogen will be shown on SWR on December 8, 10:50 PM & on ARD on February 2, 11:50 PM