Alas, it is February, the big theatres and red carpets in Berlin are being prepared for all Stars and Sternchen who gather in the capital of Germany to celebrate one of the biggest film festivals of the world, the Berlinale.
During the 61th anniversary, the film spectacles start off on February 10th with the newest Coen brothers production “True Grit.” It promises: This year, it is going to be bigger, greater, more interesting – for the first time since “The Big Lebowski“, those two masters of the film-universe themselves are going to pay B-town a visit. Berlin is excited!
Asking Thomas Jörg from Zurich, Switzerland if he is coming back to Berlin for a visit during Berlinale, he gave me a positive answer and stated to my pleasant surprise, that the film he produced is going to run at the Panorama section of the festival, which is usually reknown for famous directors or interesting “new discoveries.”
OFF BEAT
The movie is called OFF BEAT, is by young director Jan Gassmann, a former scholarship holder at HFF Munich.
Last week, the movie of Jan Gassman was already covered by the Swiss daily media and proud fans from Switzerland. “Programmkino” describe the movie as
“a Swissian story of idiosyncratic strong atmosphere about the growing older of a rap-generation”
The Off Beat Cast & Crew by swissfilms.ch
Directed by: Jan Gassmann
Written by: Jan Gassmann, Max Frey, David Kohler
Written by: Jan Gassmann, Max Frey, David Kohler
World Premiere: February 2011
Original Version: Swiss-German (german/english subtitles), colour, DCP, 95 min.
Original Version: Swiss-German (german/english subtitles), colour, DCP, 95 min.
Production: Diagonal GmbH, acappella film GmbH
Producer: Thomas Jörg
Producer: Thomas Jörg
Cinematography: Ramòn Giger
Editing: Max Frey, Jan Gassmann
Location Sound Mix: Jean-Pierre Gerth
Rerecording Sound Mix: David Wasilevsky
Music: Mundartisten
Art Direction: Salome Raetz, Dominik Fellmann
Lighting: Stephan Kümin
Costumes: Anne Weick
Editing: Max Frey, Jan Gassmann
Location Sound Mix: Jean-Pierre Gerth
Rerecording Sound Mix: David Wasilevsky
Music: Mundartisten
Art Direction: Salome Raetz, Dominik Fellmann
Lighting: Stephan Kümin
Costumes: Anne Weick
Cast
as Fabiana
The Berlinale press release did not reveal too much about the storyline, just that Off Beat was part of the programme (uh-huh). The internet says Off Beat is about:
“two young brothers and an elder hip-hop producer. “
Another movie about the hip-hop scene? I was not that sure about it. Due to some lucky coincidence, I had the chance to watch the (raw) version of 15. Dec. 2010 and I have to say it just blew me off! It is not just another hip-hop movie, it actually has a sophisticated plot and a good camera. Of course hip-hop is the main topic and you get an insight of how it could look like when you are in the business. But it has more to offer. The thoughts expressed in lyrics are really fantastic; every time you get to hear the mind of the protagonist through rap, you get goosebumps. He writing in his book, his voice in the background – those scenes are the best.
Hans-Jakob Mühlethaler, called “Jean-Jaques”, producer, rapper, lyric-writer plays one of the leading roles in Jan Gassmanns movie. What an artist do the Mundartisten have with their Chocolococolo! He shows an awesome performance throughout the movie, whether he raps, talks or merely acts. Guys, keep an eye on him!
Off Beat – it is a story about hiphop, music business, the whole scene in Switzerland. But also about brothers, friends, relationships. Coming of age, maybe. Change of generations? Surviving. Life. This movie is direct, honest, funny, dark, moving, inspiring. And definitely a must-see between the numerous participants of Berlinale Panorama section…!
Random comment:
If there hadn’t been subtitles, I would not have understood that much of the movie, because it is in Schweizerdeutsch, but alas, technical improvement did allow German subtitles ;) – During Berlinale it is shown with English ones.
I cannot end this entry without mentioning “Chrigu”:
If there hadn’t been subtitles, I would not have understood that much of the movie, because it is in Schweizerdeutsch, but alas, technical improvement did allow German subtitles ;) – During Berlinale it is shown with English ones.
I cannot end this entry without mentioning “Chrigu”:
CHRIGU
It is not the first time that Jan Gassmann is invited to Berlinale: in 2007, he participated with the story of his friend before: Chrigu (Chrigu Trailer / Chrigu Official Trailer). A very nice review of the movie you can find on Cinemabuch.ch (in German).
*** ATTENTION PLEASE: BERLINALE PANORAMA screeningdates of OFF BEAT ***
- 16.2.2011 22:00 CinemaxX 7 PREMIERE
- 17.2.2011 20:15 CineStar 3
- 18.2.2011 23:00 Cubix 7 & 8 Interlock
… and maybe you are the lucky one to meet Jan Gassmann in person at the party on February 17th ;) at Möbelfabrik…!!! (Invitation or guestlist only)
This february 2012 berlin reprise!!
kiss