German Filmmakers on the Global Stage: Idan Weiss
German Films represents German cinema abroad. This means that we are also interested in German filmmakers who work internationally. Many German filmmakers are spread across the globe and work on a wide variety of international projects. We would like to introduce them briefly and ask them what they are currently working on.
Idan Weiss – Actor
How did your first international project come about—was it a goal or more of a coincidence?
Before "Franz K.", I had never played a leading role before, let alone in an international production. The casting director Simone Bär suggested me to Agnieszka Holland. Somehow everything then fell into place, like a puzzle assembling itself. I value such coincidences.
What have you learned about yourself from working in other countries?
How important languages and cultures are! How much we humans have to share, and that we are all connected. I love traveling, observing the world, and appreciating all the small moments life has to offer.
Was there a phase when you seriously doubted your path?
Over the years, I have doubted myself repeatedly and thought a lot about my profession. But I never gave up. That’s the most important thing—that we must never give up and must keep dreaming.
What are you currently working on, and what especially attracted you to this project?
Between March and April, I’m part of a historical series – its final season. It deals with a cholera epidemic, and I play a doctor. After that come my first English-language projects. Among them, I’m playing the lead role in Jonas Steinacker’s directorial debut "Save Our Souls", an eco-thriller drama, which I’m very much looking forward to.
Is there a genre, format, or theme you’d like to explore in the future?
I love films – films that are bold, that take risks and step out of the comfort zone. Not films that aim to please the audience, but ones that provoke, criticize, and encourage closer examination. I’m a big fan of the films of Terrence Malick, Lars von Trier, Julia Ducournau, Gaspar Noé, and David Lynch. I deeply appreciate this kind of filmmaking. That said, I’m a very open person and read every script.
Idan Weiss was born in Seesen in Lower Saxony in 1997. He started acting in "Cactus Junges Theater" in 2015. This was followed by a year at the Arturo acting school in Cologne and a move to the IAF International Academy for Film Acting. He played different roles in theatres and also directed plays. Parallel to the theater, Idan Weiss worked in front of the camera. Director Robert Thalheim cast him in his feature film "TKKG" (2019). This was followed by many more educational productions and short films – and then came the call from casting director Simone Bär for the international coproduction "Franz K.", directed by Agnieszka Holland. For his part he was awarded as "Best Actor" at Polish film festival Gdynia. Idan Weiss is currently in front of the camera in Italy in the international cinema production "Das Mädchen mit der Leica" ("The Girl with the Leica"), directed by Alina Marazzi. Idan Weiss lives in Cologne.