Films by Enrique Sánchez Lansch

2024, 99 min
by Enrique Sánchez Lansch

A star dancer at the Cambodian royal court lovingly raises her husband's little brother as her own son. Decades later, as a forced labourer under the Khmer Rouge, she discovers that her foster son is Pol Pot.Chea Samy was an outstanding soloist in the royal dance ensemble at the Cambodian Royal Palace in the 1930s. But she was also Pol Pot’s foster mother. After marrying Pol’s older brother, a low-level official at the royal court, she looked after the boy as if he were her own. They lost contact when he disappeared into the underground after his graduation. In 1975, like millions of other Cambodians, she was driven to the rice fields. Only after three years of forced labour did she learn that Pol Pot was the boy she had raised decades before. As one of only few dancers, she managed to survive his reign and returned to Phnom Penh as a dance teacher, thus preserving knowledge of the traditional dance. One of her first pupils was Sophiline Cheam, now a successful choreographer. Her ensemble incorporates events from Cambodia’s past in its dance routines. The starting point is a curious fact about Pol Pot’s career, which few Cambodians know about: the connection between Pol Pot and classical Cambodian dance. Artists and intellectuals, in particular, fell victim to the brutal rule of the Khmer Rouge, whose leader ironically spent a crucial part of his childhood in the royal palace and gained access to higher education thanks to this dance.

Germany 2021, 93 min
by Enrique Sánchez Lansch

SYMPHONY OF NOISE takes the viewer on a journey with Matthew Herbert, the revolutionary British musician and composer. Into the mind of the artist known for his political pieces, combining music derived from real life sounds with politically sensitive issues. Herbert’s premise is that music has undergone a revolution. Instead of making music with instruments, we can now use anything that makes a sound. The film captures creativity at its core. After watching A SYMPHONY OF NOISE we will listen to music, but also to the world, in a way we have never done before.

Germany 2021, 96 min
by Corinna Belz, Enrique Sánchez Lansch

Hidden doors open in this film about the iconic Uffizi Gallery, home to the world's most prominent collection of Renaissance art. Guided by passion, German Director Eike Schmidt and his Italian team master the sensitive balancing act between conservation and renewal. We dive into famous masterpieces that captivate visitors of all ages and nationalities.

Germany 2004, 100 min
by Thomas Grube, Enrique Sánchez Lansch

This Box Office hit is about Marie, Martin, Olayinka and 250 kids and teenagers who never danced or listened to classical music when they faced their biggest challenge: to perform Stravinsky’s ‘Rite of Spring’ with Sir Simon Rattle and the legendary Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra! Berlin, one cold January day. Amazing things are happening in the Arena down at Berlin’s industrial harbour. 250 Berlin schoolchildren from 25 different nationalities and socially difficult neighbourhoods are dancing to Stravinsky‘s 'Rite of Spring' choreographed by Royston Maldoom and accompanied by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under its chief conductor, Sir Simon Rattle. RHYTHM IS IT! follows the fascinating process leading to a breathtaking performance. It shows the first efforts at dancing made by these very diverse youngsters, few of whom had prior knowledge of classical music and dance. A touching adventure spanning three-months of rehearsals which shows the perseverance, affection and patience with which Royston Maldoom and his assistant Susannah Broughton care for them while the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra is rehearsing during the same period. Through the eyes of three young protagonists we take part in the project‘s development, its ups and downs, doubts and enthusiasms, uncertainties and renewals of self-confidence. Marie, 15, who is desperately trying to pass her secondary school exams; Olayinka, 16, who has recently arrived as a war-orphan from Nigeria and Martin, 19, who is battling to overcome his inhibitions. They never had a chance so far, but as dancers they suddenly discover their real potentials. This is a fascinating journey into new, undreamed-of worlds which reveal surprising facets of the their personalities. An emotional ravishment into hidden worlds present in all of us. This film also marks the start of a new era - one in which the orchestra strides confidently forth from behind the golden walls of the Philharmonic to other, darker regions of society. In this respect too, this film is an arresting historical document. RHYTHM IS IT! is a beautiful cinematic experience full of passion, respect and zest for life.