Freudenberg – Auf der Suche nach dem Sinn
Germany 2019

Opening 5 Sep 2019

Directed by: Andrzej Klamt
Writing credits: Andrzej Klamt

In 1993 Matthias Schenk and Beatrice Dastis Schenk moved into an abandoned castle named Freudenberg, built 1904 in a forest near Wiesbaden, Germany. For two years they renovated with crews of dedicated young people. Today they are still renovating, but the original plan is running full speed ahead. The idea was to provide a meeting point for people to “search for meaning” (which is the English translation of the title). This sounds very philosophical, perhaps calling up imagines of a quiet monastery. Wrong. As the Schenks say, “We love God over all but not each other.” In order to change this situation, they offer multiple possibilities to “find oneself” and to develop talents in art, music, new inventions, theater and a love of nature – in various languages as people from worldwide stop by. Children run about barefoot in the woods looking for ants. Insects are important. Freudenberg has developed into a cultural and intellectual center and this film quite successfully reflects its opportunities so that viewers can well imagine booking a trip to Wiesbaden. Do not confuse it with the Swiss Freudenberg, topic of a film from 2002, nor with the Freudenberg Group business located in Baden-Württemburg. (Becky Tan)