December 19, 2014 US/Pacific
The Circle (Der Kreis)
a film by Stefan Haupt.
Los Angeles, CA -
SYNOPSIS:
Zürich in the mid 50's: The young shy teacher Ernst Ostertag (Matthias Hungerbühler) becomes a member of the gay organization
DER KREIS (The Circle) whose publication unites the fragile yet vibrant post World War II gay community in Switzerland. There
he gets to know cabaret singer and female impersonator Röbi Rapp (Sven Schelker) and immediately falls head over heels in
love with him. Ernst finds himself torn between his bourgeois existence and acceptance of his homosexuality, for Röbi it is
about his first serious love relationship. A relationship which proves to last a lifetime.
The Official SWISS submission to the 87th Academy Awards® for Best Foreign Language Film,
The Circle (Der Kreis), is the superb docudrama
directed by Stefan Haupt. Using actual interviews, powerful narrative, and a well-scripted format, Mr. Haupt artfully brings
to the silver screen the lives of Ernst Ostergat and Röbi Rapp - the first legally gay couple to be married in
Switzerland in 2003.
Ostertag and Rapp's story is deeply affecting, heart breaking, compelling and triumphant. As The Circle
chronicles their early struggles to maintain their relationship in the face of insurmountable obstacles - whilst they help
with the efforts of the hidden, international, gay organization in 1950's Zürich - the viewer is introduced to the
principals of this documentary, the dangerous times in which they lived, and the passions that drove them into taking a
stand.
Haupt has us follow the life of Ernst, a schoolteacher, as he begins and builds his tender and
loving relationship with Röbi, a cabaret performer. Our involvement takes root as we watch Ernst develop
a friendship with Rolf, the founder of Der Kreis. This, in turn, leads to Ernst's involvement with the organization.
Weaving well-scripted portions with interviews interspersed throughout the film, Haupt brings to the film a depth and richness
which can only be captured when reality is present. Additionally, in keeping the dynamic of Ernst and Röbi's dedication
to each other, expectations for their future, and determination for equality a constant throughout the film, Haupt ensures
that the audience never forgets why it is we are watching this film: To remember what once was in light of what now is.
The Circle (Der Kreis) stands
on its own as a feature film. The acting is solid, the story compelling, and Director Haupt has caught the heyday of 1950's
Zurich perfectly! From the buildings, vehicles, and the clothing, his directorial eye not only brought the story of Ernst and
Röbi alive, but also that historical time in Switzerland.
As one watches The Circle (Der Kreis),
the sensation of feeling caught up in the lives of those that lived these events is very strong as we are brought amongst them in
their struggle to maintain their community, organization and themselves. As the memories and experiences unfold of these very
real people, our emotions are engaged as we bear witness to their encounters against hatred, prejudice, repression, and even
murder. Within all of this lies the ever-growing struggle for love playing out with Ernst and Röbi.
The Circle (Der Kreis) is a
compelling film which gives a voice to the 1950's gay community of Europe. It puts a face, or better yet, faces, on the
struggle during a time where it was almost impossible to make mention of one's sexuality...even in a place that seemed
accepting, but really just turned a blind eye, unless even that could not be tolerated.
The Circle is a refreshing film that allows audiences to see, feel, and - hopefully - understand that the
freedoms afforded today to the LGBT community have come a long way with a much storied history. Not only is
The Circle (Der Kreis) a unique
film in that it affords an intriguing peek into the European world of the 50's; but, it also showcases the power of long-lasting
love that, in the end, prevails.
Gus Summers is the Host and Broadcast Producer for The "IN Show, an entertaining broadcast that covers all things exciting and enlightening.
When Gus isn't busy covering current events and interesting people, you'll see him out and about enjoying all that the City of Angels has to offer.
For any questions, comments, or program ideas, he can be reached at gus@theinshow.com.
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