THE LIVES OF OTHERS

NARRATIVE, Germany, 2006, 137 minutes; in German with English subtitles

Director: Florian Henckel Von Donnersmarck
Producers: Qurin Berg, Max Wiedemann
Editor: Patricia Rommel

It is 1984 in East Berlin, when a perfectly non-descript, colorless operative of the East German secret police, the Stasi, is ordered to find something incriminating -- anything will do -- in the life of the country’s most popular --and loyal -- young playwright. His offense? He is living with a very attractive actress who has caught the eye of an important government minister who will have her, whatever it takes. Although both playwright and actress are highly regarded cultural figures, their lives will be turned inside out. Brilliantly written and directed, this unusual thriller unfolds in a riveting, edge-of-your-seat manner. All the characters are richly drawn, the story complex but readily understood, and the chill of a ruthless, all-powerful regime will creep into your bones. This is an extraordinary directorial debut, and Germany’s Oscar contender. Already considered the movie to beat, it is not to be missed. (Catherine Wyler).

· 2006 Lola Awards (German Academy Awards): Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Production Design
· 2006 Telluride Film Festival: Official Selection
· 2006 Toronto International Film Festival: Official Selection

Patricia Rommel is a renowned German editor and winner of many editing awards. She is best known in the U.S. for such films as GRIPSHOLM, EMIL AND THE DETECTIVES and NOWHERE IN AFRICA (High Falls Film Festival 2002).