Tuesday, April 30th, 2013
Official Selection 2013 / Nominated For Best Short Film
The likeable but lonesome man is on his way to lunch. Awaiting him, the outside world lurks menacingly: in his imagination it swarms with would-be crooks, hussies and criminals. What should have been a routine stroll develops into a dark odyssey, triggering a troubled conflict against himself and against the world… and ultimately, it is the underdog who is victorious.
Original title: Spaghetti fur zwei
Director: Matthias Rosenberger, Betina Dubler
Producer: Matthias Rosenberger, Felix von Poser
Writer: Betina Dubler
Key cast and other credits:
First Man – Johannes Silberschneider (above right)
Second Man – Toks Körner (above left)
Author of adapted material – Federica Kitamura-De Cesco
Director’s Statement
‘In a simple yet humorous fashion, ‘Spaghetti for Two’ illustrates how prejudices and racism can lead to catastrophe. Rather than pointing an accusatory finger, the episode is depicted as one in which anyone could find himself – for who has not at some point been guilty of labeling somebody as something, without thinking twice?’
Matthias Rosenberger
Director’s Bio
Matthias Rosenberger, born in Munich in 1974, gained experience already before his studies in the most diverse positions of several film productions, and afterwards he autonomously made two successful short films. For his directorial debut, the motion picture “Back Again”, he was awarded the “Großer Bayerischer Löwe” prize in 1995, donated by the Bavarian prime minister. The second direction project – “Nightfall”, and the multivision project “Via Regia” – which gained besides others the “Mr. Edison Award”, followed. Subsequently he studied at the “Hochschule für Medien” in Stuttgart with focus on film and audio vision. There he graduated with the diploma “Dipl. Ing. Audiovisuelle Medien”. During this time and after having received his diploma he turned with more effort towards Internet and event management. Some years ago he decided to focus back on the film industry and gained ever since film experience at productions like “The Blood of the Templars” in Lithuania. After obtaining his MBA-degree in “innovation and business creation” the short movie “Spaghetti for Two” is now the first work with which he wants to prove his skills as a director again.
Writer’s Bio
Betina Dubler was born in Bad Tölz (Germany) in 1988 and went to grammar school until summer 2008, where she graduated with A levels at the Gymnasium Miesbach. During her school career she went to Ecuador for seven months. Back in Germany she participated for the first time as a scriptwriter in a school project and continued her efforts as actress in the play. The completed “Hotel Belvedere” was entered in several short film festivals and started to get its first awards. The screenplay for “Spaghetti for Two” originated from her school term paper, where she analyzed Federica Kitamura-de Casco’s homonymous short story, and adapted it for a screenplay. The term paper was evaluated with best grade. Afterwards she contacted the author Federica Kitamura-de Cesco – a famous children’s book writer – in order to secure the film adaptation rights. In the film adaptation of “Spaghetti for Two” she took over the dramaturgical guidance and co-direction.
Original Novel
Federica Kitamura-de Casco’s short story “Spaghetti for Two” is very often being used especially in German schools as subject of debate. In effect almost all 200,000 teachers of German language know the story. With this film the author permitted the adaptation of
one of her books for the first time and therefore made the movie possible.
Online Links
Judges’ Comments
“A very likeable short film, rather innocent and heart warming. Strong mention must go to the music.” – Steve Furst
“Very clever from the opening overhead shot of umbrellas. This is, essentially a silent film with the lead giving an almost Tati-esque performance. The humour is very sly and delicate. It has a moral dimension that is nevertheless not pompously stated. To take the lead character and the audience on such journey of self-discovery without preaching is quite an achievement.” – Tim McInnerny
“Beautiful cinematography reminding me of Jeunet… great storytelling through images and music with solid acting performances.” – Sarah Godfrey
Posted in: Official Selection, NFF2013, Nominated Films, 2013 Films In Detail