"TREU" - A short film about love, misunderstandings and dignity in the face of illness

"TREU" is a short film of 15 minutes that takes us through the everyday world of its protagonists' misunderstandings. The film begins like a gripping thriller and lets us experience a woman's fear, insecurity and despair at first hand. She believes she is being held captive in a strange apartment - guarded by a much older man who is said to have locked her up and taken control of her.

Like in a nightmare, we experience her captivity and her desperate attempt to find clues and ways to escape in the seemingly threatening surroundings. When she finally manages to escape, the claustrophobic thriller turns into a gripping chase sequence that leads the viewer straight into a new mystery.

But the journey does not end here: step by step, the true story behind the two protagonists unfolds - the background of the woman and her supposed pursuer. What begins as an exciting thriller develops into a profound character drama and finally into a touching love story that endures despite all the challenges and adversities.

With rapid genre changes and the painfully beautiful discovery of a sudden moment of clarity in the midst of the chaos of illness, "TREU" takes the audience on an emotional rollercoaster ride. At the end there is a touching message: the dignity and preciousness of great love defy even the most serious human decay.

Hansjörg Thurn

An experienced director known for his work on popular German television formats such as Schimanski and Die Wanderhure. Thurn brings his unique ability to translate tension and emotion into vivid images and leads the project 'TREU' with his visionary direction.

Katrin Wiegand

As a screenwriter, Katrin Wiegand knows how to bring complex characters and profound stories to life. Her work for 'TREU' combines suspense with emotional depth, creating a haunting script that immerses the audience in a world of misunderstanding and emotional intensity.

Anthony Arndt

With his creative idea, Anthony Arndt lays the foundation for 'TREU'. His conception of the story as a gripping short film about the fragility of memory and the power of love forms the heart of the project.

Uwe Schäfer

As Director of Photography, Uwe Schäfer is responsible for the visual realization of 'TREU'. With a special eye for light and shadow, he captures the oppressive atmosphere and the emotional depth of the story in impressive images.

My first movie: A matter of the heart with a socially critical message

Last year, I survived a rare neck fracture after a bicycle crash - an experience that changed my life forever. Since then, my focus on the essentials has sharpened. My savings don’t need to survive me, so I'm investing them in my big dream: a top-class short film.

The film is entitled "TREU" and deals with the unfortunately highly topical subject of Alzheimer's - a subject that is very close to my heart due to personal family experiences. The film is 15 minutes long. In view of the official figures - there are 1.8 million Alzheimer's sufferers in Germany, with a predicted doubling in the coming years - it is more important than ever to raise awareness.

I am particularly keen to use this film to draw attention to the alarming number of young people with dementia. It is a socially critical message that, in combination with cinematic excellence, should meet the high standards of international festivals.

It was clear to me from the start: quality has its price. That's why I only made the film on the condition that everyone involved - from the cast to the crew - met the highest standards. Thanks to the support of the Alzheimer Society Germany and Bochum, I was able to shoot a scene in front of their headquarters.

I know that I don't earn any money with short films, but that was never my goal. Rather, this film fulfills a deep desire that has been with me for a long time: To turn a vision into reality and tell a story that moves people.

About the Location

Bochum

The stage of the Schauspielhaus Bochum became the backdrop for a key scene in the short film.

The film addresses the topic of aging and the resulting challenges in filmmaking. The ill wife is played by Annika Kuhl, who is happy to be back in Bochum. After all, she learned her profession at the Westfälische Schauspielschule here and was part of the ensemble at the Bochum Schauspielhaus from 1996 to 2000.

Anthony Arndt is not only the lead actor but also the producer and originator of the film's concept. The screenplay was written by Katrin Wiegand.

For the professional realization of the screenplay, he was able to secure the renowned director Hansjörg Thurn (Schimanski, Die Wanderhure), who, along with his experienced team of cameramen, lighting technicians, and assistants, ensured that this stirring and touching subject was implemented sensitively and atmospherically.

His old half-timbered house in Altenbochum served as a backdrop, and his daughter and actress Bianca Arndt can be seen in a supporting role.

The festivals are the right platform for his film, says Anthony Arndt, and so he will present his work at the Berlinale with great hope.