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New Documentary Chronicles Hildegard Knef's Complex Legacy

‘Ich will alles. Hildegard Knef’ explores the life of Germany’s first post-war film star, highlighting her artistic achievements, personal struggles, and enduring cultural impact.

  • The documentary, directed by Luzia Schmid, revisits Knef's life through archival footage, interviews, and excerpts from her autobiographical works.
  • Hildegard Knef rose to fame in 1946 with her role in 'Die Mörder sind unter uns,' the first German film made after World War II, which symbolized cultural renewal.
  • Knef faced backlash for her role in the 1950 film 'Die Sünderin,' which included a brief nude scene, sparking societal controversy in conservative post-war Germany.
  • She successfully reinvented herself as a Chanson singer in the 1960s, with hits like 'Für mich soll’s rote Rosen regnen,' and as an author with works such as 'Der geschenkte Gaul.'
  • The documentary emphasizes her resilience, philosophical reflections, and openness about personal challenges, marking her upcoming 100th birth anniversary in December 2025.
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