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Stage Star Fritzi Haberlandt Returns to Cinema in 'Wilma Will Mehr'

Critics applaud her lively yet vulnerable portrayal of an East German woman starting anew in Vienna under Maren-Kea Freese’s empathetic direction.

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Wilma (Fritzi Haberlandt) und Matilde (Meret Engelhardt)
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Overview

  • Wilma Will Mehr opened in German cinemas on July 31, 2025, earning praise for its thoughtful mix of comedy and historical context.
  • Fritzi Haberlandt makes her first leading screen appearance in years, delivering a performance noted for its energy and emotional depth.
  • Maren-Kea Freese serves as both writer and director, crafting a grounded script that explores the fallout of German reunification.
  • The character Wilma’s journey from unemployed factory worker in Brandenburg to multitalented craftswoman and guide in Vienna underscores themes of adaptability and empowerment.
  • The film’s focus on post-GDR identity and Haberlandt’s rare transition from acclaimed stage roles to a major film part has sparked renewed interest in East German narratives.