Introduction to the Project
If you’re an aspiring actor looking for an emotionally rich, historically resonant role, then “1949/VATERLAND” may be your next big break. This highly anticipated feature film, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Pawel Pawlikowski, explores the complex life of Nobel Prize-winning author Thomas Mann against the backdrop of Nazi Germany and post-war exile.
Storyline & Themes
“1949/VATERLAND” is a historical drama that dives deep into the public and private life of Thomas Mann, one of the most successful novelists of the 20th century. Set in post-war Germany, the film highlights his intellectual resistance to Nazi rule, his emigration journey, and his inner conflicts around family, politics, and identity.
The narrative captures:
- His struggle between social propriety and a turbulent inner life.
- A marriage to Katia Mann, daughter of a wealthy Jewish family, while concealing his homosexual desires.
- A creative journey that led to writing “Death in Venice”, inspired by an encounter on an Italian beach.
- Tensions with his children—bohemians and anti-Nazi revolutionaries—who share lovers and political ideals.
- A powerful trajectory from Germany to Switzerland, France, and ultimately to America, where he settled in Princeton and Los Angeles.
“1949/VATERLAND” promises to be a compelling cinematic experience, combining personal dilemmas with historical upheaval.
Director and Writer
- Director: Pawel Pawlikowski, known for “Cold War” and “Ida,” brings a haunting visual style and emotional precision to this ambitious historical epic.
- Writer: Thomas Mann, with the screenplay based on his life and literary legacy.
Production Details
- Production Company: Nine Hours GmbH
- Genre: Drama
- Filming Location: Berlin, Germany
- Alternate Title: “Fatherland”
This European-based production is rich in period visuals, political themes, and character-driven storytelling. It’s the perfect project for actors looking to explore complex roles rooted in real history.
Why “1949/VATERLAND” Matters
This project doesn’t just recount history—it humanizes it. By exploring Thomas Mann’s inner life and political resistance, the film provides important cultural context and offers performers a rare chance to embody roles that are intellectually deep and emotionally layered.
For actors, that means playing real people who grapple with legacy, repression, freedom, and courage.
How to Prepare for Casting
While casting announcements have not yet been made public, actors interested in being part of “1949/VATERLAND” should begin preparing:
- Research the historical period (1930s–1950s Europe).
- Study Thomas Mann’s literature and legacy.
- Brush up on German dialects and post-war culture.
- Showcase your range through dramatic monologues and historically themed reels.
Roles will likely include members of the Mann family, European intellectuals, Nazi and anti-Nazi figures, and American exile-era characters.
Stay Tuned for Audition Opportunities
Want to be part of this powerful film? Casting details for “1949/VATERLAND” will be announced soon. To be the first to know when auditions open, stay tuned to Project Casting.
📣 We’ll keep you posted as soon as jobs become available!
