Mediengruppe Schwabing

Germany 2012, 75 min
by Wolfgang Ettlich (MGS Filmproduktion)

From prison to four-star hotel! This is the intention behind the Hotel BISS 2007 project. The development of the old Neudeck prison in Munich into a luxury hotel is meant to offer young people from difficult backgrounds a quality apprenticeship opportunity. The political will seems to exist and many celebrities strongly support the project. Yet in 2011 the building is unexpectedly hit hard by one of its big investors. In unembellished images the film documents the project from its beginnings right through to the bitter end. A plea for social participation and against bureaucratic routines - despite any opposition. (Anne Thomé)

Germany 2010, 90 min
by Wolfgang Ettlich (MGS Filmproduktion)

In 1980, Oliver Neumann is 14 years old and always in trouble with his parents. He can’t decide whether to become a punk or a member of the Bagwhan-Movement. He is going through puberty, rebels against society and is part of the couldn’t-care-less-generation. Wolfgang Ettlich followed Oliver until 1995 on his search for identity and his way of growing-up. Over the years Oliver got married and became father of two sons Nicolas and David. 10 years later, in 2005, his sons are in the same age, as he was back then. At this point the movie „The Neumanns - That’s life“ starts. The film portraits the life of the ex-punk, but the roles have changed. Now Oliver fights with the pubescent kids and has to give them, together with his wife Ellen, values and ways for their future... while Grandfather Lutz whisely analyses the situation over the years. A family history over 30 years and 3 generations: The generation of the 68s, punk and hip hop. A film as life is.

Germany 2010, 88 min
by Wolfgang Ettlich (MGS Filmproduktion)

1989, the habitants of the GDR had hight expecations of the German-reunification. Also the Schuetze family from Zschopau were dreaming about a shop in the free-market economy. But their neighbours in Zschopau were jealous of the primarily success of the Schuetze family, they even them. Ten years, until 1999, we followed the Schuetze family on their efforts to survive in the new Germany. Now, 10 years later, we visit the family again. The new movie ‘The Schuetzes - Unity and Right and Freedom!’ is a survaillance over 20 years and shows the past and present of German history, using the example of the Schuetze family. Also the limitation of a filmmaker become apparent.

Germany 2009, 85 min
by Wolfgang Ettlich (MGS Filmproduktion)

In 1908 the first car race around the world took place. All across the USA, Asia, Siberia and Europe. Hans Koeppen from Berlin was one of the six rivals that ventured the 20.000km long route. The film takes us on an adventurous trip that turns into a journey through time. Always close to the German driver we experience the fascinating race. Following the original route the film brings to life his victories and failures. At the same time Koeppen's diary gives insight into the life and mentality in different cultures a hundred years ago. The dream of mobility developed very differently - on one side the United States, coined by mobility, on the other the poor and rural areas in Asia and Russia. The film focusses on the last century and tells the story of how technology, communication and ultimately even society have been changed by the automobile.