Alina Marazzi's Film on Gerda Taro Premieres in Venice
At the Venice Film Festival, Italian filmmaker Alina Marazzi debuted her movie "The Girl with the Leica," which opened the Orrizonti section. The film chronicles the life of German photojournalist Gerda Taro (1910–1937), who perished during the Spanish Civil War, and her connection with Robert Capa (Endre Friedmann). It emphasizes Taro's political engagement, her journey from Leipzig to Paris, and her portrayal of the Spanish conflict. The story also features young artists in Paris before World War II, inspired by Helena Janeczek's novel and Irme Schaber's biography. Shot on 16mm and Super-8, the film incorporates archival footage, with Emilia Schüle portraying Taro. Marazzi addresses Taro's rediscovery and the issue of gender inequality in film.
Key facts
- Alina Marazzi's film 'The Girl with the Leica' premiered at the Venice Film Festival, opening the Orrizonti section.
- The film is about German photojournalist Gerda Taro (1910–1937), who died in the Spanish Civil War.
- Taro and Robert Capa (born Endre Friedmann) created the 'Robert Capa' persona.
- Taro's work was largely forgotten until 1997 when the 'Mexican Suitcase' with 800 negatives was found in Mexico City.
- The film is based on Helena Janeczek's novel and Irme Schaber's biography.
- Marazzi shot the film on 16mm and Super-8, using archival footage from Germany, France, Spain, Russia, and Italy.
- Emilia Schüle stars as Gerda Taro; Luna Wedler, Lucas Englander, and Thomas Schubert appear in supporting roles.
- Marazzi draws parallels between the 1930s and today, suggesting Taro would document conflicts in Ukraine or Gaza.
- Marazzi discusses gender inequality in the film industry, citing a lack of trust in women.
- She asserts that Capa's famous 'Falling Soldier' photo was not staged.
Entities
Artists
- Alina Marazzi
- Gerda Taro
- Robert Capa
- Endre Friedmann
- Helena Janeczek
- Irme Schaber
- Georg Kuritzkes
- David 'Chim' Seymour
- Pablo Neruda
- Kati Horna
- Eva Besnyö
- Florence Henri
- Ellen Auerbach
- Emilia Schüle
- Luna Wedler
- Lucas Englander
- Thomas Schubert
- Nina Haun
- Ingrid Bergman
- Manuel Alberto Claro
- Willy Chardack
- Ruth Cerf
- Barbara Frigerio
- Zack Snyder
Institutions
- Venice Film Festival
- Orrizonti
- Chilean Embassy
- Bauhaus
- Venice International Film Festival
- Premio Strega
- PetaPixel
- Vivo Film
- Komplizen Film
- ZDF/ARTE
- Eolo Film Productions
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Lido
- Stuttgart
- Germany
- Leipzig
- Paris
- France
- Spain
- Mexico City
- Mexico
- Bordeaux
- Ukraine
- Gaza
- Brunete