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Short film by the creative workshop “barner 16” of the Evangelische Stiftung Alsterdorf (Protestant Foundation) from Hamburg

The directors Eike Swoboda and Felix Engel produce films in which people with disabilities explicitly do not play their role as “disabled people”. This makes disability normal. The script and direction of the film's narrative nevertheless allow its actors to be different. The characters therefore tend to behave in strange ways, and their fates take unexpected turns.

The half hour feature film “Laura and Fred” was coached by Wim Wenders and received the Karl H. Ditze Diploma Award from the University of Fine Arts of Hamburg. After “wackelkontakt” (Loose Connection) from 2004, “Laura and Fred” is the second short film made with staff from the creative workshop, including Jan Thibaut, Heidi Fischer, Volker Schmidt and Maik Winter. The creative workshop's way of working is an illustrative experiment with the special talents of disabled people.

Involved persons

Heidi Fischer
Maik Winter
Jan Thibout

“Laura and Fred” – narrated in telegram style

Fred is consumed by his job.
Fred’s friend hires an agency for dreams to bring colour and joy back into Fred’s life
The mysterious Laura takes on the job. She looks after Fred in her own special way.
Fred is confused at first, but then happy. But he is now letting himself go and neglecting himself.
Laura has gone too far. She flees when Fred’s friend protests. Fred chases after her ... .
... and is hit by a car and dies.
Will the unlucky driver be Laura’s next victim?

“Laura and Fred” was shown in the official programme of the “Wie wir leben” (How we live) film festival at the Filmmuseum München from 4 to 7 November 2009.

More films and productions of the workshop:
Station 17. New www.esfilm.net

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