Films by Marcus Lenz

2023, 86 min
by Britt Beyer

Coal mining has shaped Lusatia for generations. In the GDR it was still an important industrial location but, after the fall of communism, companies shut down and livelihoods were destroyed. With the planned phase out of coal, the region is facing another upheaval. Britt Beyer takes a sensitive look at the people who must deal once again with the collapse of existing structures and points of reference. [38 DOK.fest München, Ina Borrmann]

Germany 2022, 66 min
by Mila Teshaieva, Marcus Lenz

By the time Russian army retreated from Bucha, Borodyanka, Irpin, houses were destroyed, civilians executed, and lives ruined. From the moment when they emerge from their shelters over the course of many weeks, the films follows various residents as they pick themselves up from the smoldering ruins. The dead are identified, debris is cleared, and prosecutors start talking about a war tribunal. But as the first blossoms of spring start appearing, these Ukrainians also reveal their resilience. Human spirit overcomes war and death.

Germany 2013, 88 min
by Christoph Schuch

Butterflies have been captivating our mind and fantasy for thousands of years. The small insect has acquired a variety of meanings. 'Butterfly Stories' shows some of the ways in which butterflies fascinate people. It uses an entirely new approach to films about animals.A magical trip to the microcosm of people and butterflies all over the world, set in a mix of genres. All elements serve to immerse into the feelings people hold for caterpillars, chrysalis, butterflies, moths and the like.The main story is a witty road trip with Cory McAbee aka Wandering Star on the 'butterfly trail' from Chicago to the highlands of Mexico. The singer/songwriter, known to fans of independent film as 'The American Astronaut', is looking for inspiration for his new album to also earn him some money. He follows the spectacular monarch migration. The further Butterfly stories portray a young Ecuadorian artist who fell in love with the unseen beauty of moths at an abandoned gas station by the jungle. We also make the acquaintance of a couple of silkworm-breeders and a moth hunter in the Thai jungle. We meet a young hippie girl from Switzerland living with strange caterpillars in her own cocoon, just about ready to spread her wings and start living. The negative spectre of feelings is represented by a German guy, who hates butterflies. His phobia is interfering with his daily life, but he has developed techniques to cope with his daily nightmare.

Germany 2011, 84 min
by Britt Beyer

BECOMING GERMAN is a documentary about an integration course at a Berlin adult education centre. The language courses have an educational subtext: they not only teach migrants how to speak, read and write in German, but also how to behave in Germany. The film accompanies several students over a nine-month period. While following the protagonists in their daily lives, we see whether or not the ideal image of Germany portrayed in the classroom corresponds to the students’ reality. Along the way, we marvel at situations full of absurd comedy and existential tragedy.

Germany 2009, 26 min
by Eckart Lottmann

Every day some 30 poor little children in Cusco (Peru) get a warm meal for free. This “comedor” is mainly financed by Renate Ratzel, a retired woman and former teacher from Stuttgart (Germany). Renate Ratzel is blind. As an officially “disabled” person, she could claim public support for herself. But she prefers to help - even if it exceeds her financial means. Therefore the film is also about the possibilities and limitations of private help. Mrs. Ratzel also supports some 12 to 15 year old pupils. Her god-child Evelin, a ten year old girl, was raped by two men; now she is living with Renate's help in a Peruvian family. Certainly it’s the Christian belief in God - she is catholic - that gives Mrs. Ratzel the strength and motivation to help. But she knows that she must become active herself. German title: ES GEHT UM DIE KINDER World Sales [WesterEurope] e.lottmann@gmx.de