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Vienna - He is considered the world's most widely read writer in the German language: Franz Kafka, whose 100th death anniversary is set to be in June 2024. To mark the occasion, Superfilm, in co-production with ORF and ARD with participation of ORF-Enterprise is producing the six-part mini-series "Kafka", telling the story of the peculiar twentieth century writer. The scripts are based on the fundamental three-volume Kafka biography by Reiner Stach, who is also acting as an expert consultant on this TV project. The screenplay was written by Daniel Kehlmann in collaboration with director David Schalko.
“This extraordinary mini-series brings to life the enigmatic world of Franz Kafka, a writer whose influence resonates to this day. We are thrilled to add 'Kafka' to our sales catalog, paying homage to Kafka's remarkable literary legacy on the 100th anniversary of his passing and showcasing the brilliant storytelling of Daniel Kehlmann and David Schalko”, says Oliver Böhm, CEO of ORF-Enterprise.
“The meticulous attention to detail in bringing Franz Kafka's world to life is evident in every frame. 'Kafka' adds depth and richness to our Drama section, aligning perfectly with our commitment to delivering high-quality content. There is no doubt that 'Kafka' will be a standout addition to our catalog" adds Armin Luttenberger, Head of Content Sales at ORF-Enterprise.
“Kafka's life and work through the eyes of two outstanding storytellers”
The mini-series is not only about Kafka's difficult relationship with his tyrannical father and his fascinating love affairs with Felice Bauer, Milena Jesenská and Dora Diamant, but also about his close friendship with Max Brod, who betrayed his terminally ill friend in the end, thus securing him world fame at the same time. With Joel Basman (Franz Kafka), David Kross (Max Brod), Nicholas Ofczarek (Hermann Kafka) and Liv Lisa Fries (Milena Jesenská), a first-class cast will be in front of the camera. Shooting has already wrapped up in spring 2023, with a broadcast date on ORF and ARD set in spring 2024.
Mag. Katharina Schenk, ORF Head of Television Film: "I am very pleased that ORF is part of this project, which places Franz Kafka's own world at its center. For this extraordinary undertaking, Daniel Kehlmann and David Schalko have found a perspective that looks at Kafka's life and work through the eyes of two outstanding storytellers and presents it anew to a broad public."
Jörg Schönenborn, ARD Coordinator Fiction: "The collaboration of the entire ARD in association with ORF is an impressive example of how strong we are when we combine our energies and invest in such an outstanding project. Daniel Kehlmann and David Schalko bring the audience closer to Kafka's work, which is still enigmatic in parts, in an entertaining - but never superficial - way. I'm looking forward to the result, which I'm sure will be internationally acclaimed."
Daniel Kehlmann, writer: "Franz Kafka's nightmares are our daily reality: in his dark yet comic visions, he divined the world in which we all now live. These visions did not come out of nowhere, but were formed by his life, his family, his private environment. I am proud and grateful that I was allowed to write the scripts based on Reiner Stach's work for the great director and storyteller David Schalko, and I am very much excited about seeing them performed by the wonderful cast.
“Kafka” is a co-production by Superfilm, ARD and ORF and is distributed worldwide by ORF-Enterprise.
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