"Great Freedom" Directed by Sebastian Meise Why should it be a movie? [Director's Interview Vol.330]

This film is not a queer film

Q: This work attempts to relive the experience for people other than LGBTQ people through Victor.

Mize: Yes. That's exactly right, and I tried to portray that part through Victor. George Orwell's ` `1984 '' depicts the invasion of privacy by the state, and everyone can imagine the terrible situation regardless of their position. Similarly, this movie depicts a situation in which a person is unable to love the person they love because of the state. I hope this movie helped you imagine what it would be like to live only in such a world.

The character Victor also plays a role in breaking down the boundaries between heterosexuality and homosexuality. There is no need to define whether the relationship between Victor and Hans is one of friendship or love. Regardless of the name, I believe that if we have deep feelings for each other, we can call it love.

One person said to me, ``This film is not a queer film.'' Those were very happy words. I think this movie is a story about people and love, and I don't like being labeled as queer or hetero.

“Great Freedom” ©2021FreibeuterFilm•Rohfilm Productions

Q: What was the reaction to this film in Germany, where Article 175 was actually in force?

Mize: The film sparked many discussions in Germany and Austria. This law was not taught in schools and had never been talked about until now. It's been ignored for a long time. In Germany, Article 175 of the Criminal Code was completely abolished in 1994, but in Austria it was completely abolished in 2002. In Germany, just three years ago, there was a move by the Ministry of Justice to apologize to victims under Article 175 and pay compensation, but most of them have already passed away, and those who are still alive say, ``It's too late.'' His reaction was, "I don't need an apology or money."

Why does it have to be a movie?