CANNES, France — Mascha Schilinski, a 41-year-old director and screenwriter, experienced a surreal moment when her film “Sound of Falling” was awarded the Jury Prize at the Cannes International Film Festival. The filmmaker expressed her joy, stating that having her work featured in the festival’s main competition was a dream come true.
This year, Germany was represented by notable filmmakers, including Fatih Akin, whose historical film “Amrum” was screened out of competition, and Christian Petzold with “Mirrors No. 3,” showcased at the Directors’ Fortnight. However, Schilinski stood out as the only German director with a film in the main competition, marking a significant moment for German cinema since Maren Ade’s “Toni Erdmann” captivated audiences in 2016.
“Sound of Falling” is set on a farm in a quaint village in northeastern Germany. The film follows the intertwined stories of four generations of women living on the farm, transitioning through various timelines that ultimately blend together. Schilinski views her work as a broader reflection of a century, which began with childhood questions about the lives once lived within the confines of her home in Berlin.
Reflecting on her own upbringing in a prewar apartment building, Schilinski recalled her curiosity about the past and the stories hidden behind the walls. Her film attempts to explore those narratives and the fates of those who have lived before.
In line with her previous work, “Dark Blue Girl,” which addressed complex family dynamics, “Sound of Falling” emphasizes a female perspective. Both Schilinski and co-writer Louise Peter prioritize the significance of the female gaze, a seldom-seen viewpoint in cinema. Schilinski explained that the film conveys the weight and history of the gazes women have encountered over generations.
Schilinski’s journey into filmmaking appears almost destined. She was initially introduced to the craft through her mother, a filmmaker herself, and began acting during her school years. Her diverse experiences, from acting and interning in the film industry to traveling as a magician and fire dancer, have enriched her storytelling approach. After completing her studies in screenwriting at the Hamburg Film School, she resided in Berlin and worked as a freelance screenwriter.
Her first feature, “Dark Blue Girl,” received attention at the 2017 Berlin International Film Festival, and her latest recognition at Cannes is expected to further propel her career. “Sound of Falling” is set for release in German theaters on September 11.
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