Poetic Film Explores Paula Modersohn-Becker's Life and Legacy for 150th Birthday
Directed by Annelie Boroș and Vera Brückner, the docu-fiction film "Wer weiß schon, was ein Leben ist?" delves into the life of German modernist painter Paula Modersohn-Becker (1876–1907). Produced by Kinescope Film GmbH and distributed by W-FILM Distribution, the film features Katharina Stark, who follows the artist's path from Worpswede to Paris, encountering notable figures such as Otto Modersohn and Rainer Maria Rilke. The story intertwines historical and contemporary elements, emphasizing themes of identity and freedom. Celebrated as a pioneer of modernism, Modersohn-Becker is renowned for her groundbreaking portrayals of motherhood and femininity. The 95-minute German film is set to premiere in Bremen on August 21, 2026, with additional screenings in Leipzig, Berlin, Hamburg, and Oldenburg.
Key facts
- Film 'Wer weiß schon, was ein Leben ist?' directed by Annelie Boroș and Vera Brückner
- Docu-fiction about Paula Modersohn-Becker (1876–1907), German modernist painter
- Actress Katharina Stark traces the artist's life from Worpswede to Paris
- Film is a poetic encounter, not a classic biography or museum film
- Modersohn-Becker sold few paintings during her lifetime but is now seen as a pioneer of modernism
- Major anniversary exhibitions planned for 2026 in Bremen and Worpswede for her 150th birthday
- Cast includes Katharina Stark, Enno Trebs, Merlin Rose, Dominique Devenport, Florian Lukas
- Premiere in Bremen on August 21, 2026, at Schauburg; further screenings in Leipzig, Berlin, Hamburg, Oldenburg
- Produced by Kinescope Film GmbH, distributed by W-FILM Distribution
- Runtime 95 minutes, in German, Germany 2026
Entities
Artists
- Paula Modersohn-Becker
- Otto Modersohn
- Heinrich Vogeler
- Clara Rilke Westhoff
- Rainer Maria Rilke
- Katharina Stark
- Enno Trebs
- Merlin Rose
- Dominique Devenport
- Florian Lukas
- Annelie Boroș
- Vera Brückner
- Anja Salomonowitz
- Marie Darrieussecq
- Beate C. Arnold
- Frank Schmidt
- Henrike Hans
- Julia Voss
- Diane Radycki
- Ingrid Pfeiffer
Institutions
- Kinescope Film GmbH
- W-FILM Distribution
- Schauburg Bremen
- Schaubühne Lindenfels
- filmkunst66 Berlin
- Zeise Kinos Hamburg
- Casablanca Oldenburg
- KulturPort.De
Locations
- Worpswede
- Paris
- Bremen
- Leipzig
- Berlin
- Hamburg
- Oldenburg
- Germany