Movie stars bow to the great Wolfgang Kohlhaase

By Sebastian Bauer

Even the sun gave him his last supply. For a man friends and companions describe as always friendly, affectionate and sensitive.

Screenwriter Wolfgang Kohlhaase (1931-2022) was buried in the Dorotheenstadt cemetery on Saturday. The creator of such films as “Solo Sunny” (1980) and “The Silence After the Shot” (2000) died on October 5th.

Actor and Film Academy President Ulrich Matthes (63) comforts Kohlhaase’s widow Emöke Pöstenyi (80) Photo: DAVIDS / Christina Kratsch

“I liked it twice. First as a fantastic screenwriter and then as a friendly person with an incredible heart,” said actor and BZ culture award winner Ulrich Matthes (63) at BZ Nadja Uhl (50), with works by Kohlhaase such as “Summer in front of the balcony” (2005). famous success, he says: “I owe him two of my most important roles. When you speak his lyrics, you take on a whole new world view.”

At the funeral, director Matti Geschonneck (70) sang a song from Kohlhaase’s film “Mama, I live” (1977).

With tears in his eyes and a fragile voice, longtime director and partner Andreas Dresen (59) recalled in his speech how he grew up with Kohlhaase’s films, which “shaped cinema and the world”.

Burial of Wolfgang Kohlhaase: Director Andreas Dresen (59) shot three films with Kohlhaase and became a close friend — Director Andreas Dresen (59) has made three films with Kohlhaase and has become a close friend Photo: DAVIDS / Christina Kratsch

And alluding to the screenwriter’s ambitions as a hobby boxer: “Sudden Kockout, you weren’t even counted. Wolfgang, it’s Saturday. Actually, you should be in training now.

Burial of Wolfgang Kohlhaase: shooting of director Volker Schlöndorff (83, right). — Director Volker Schlöndorff (83, right) shot “The Silence after the Shot” (2000) with a screenplay by Kohlhaase Photo: DAVIDS / Christina Kratsch

The coffin was buried with the music of “Solo Sunny” and Kohlhaase’s widow Emöke Pöstenyi (80) was comforted with hugs and warm words.

Burial of Wolfgang Kohlhaase: actors Alexander Scheer (46, left) and Sylvester Groth (64) mourn over the open grave — Actors Alexander Scheer (46, left) and Sylvester Groth (64) mourn over the open grave Photo: DAVIDS / Christina Kratsch

Hollywood star Sylvester Groth (64, “Inglourious Basterds”), who started his career with Kohlhaase’s “Der Stay” (1982), told the BZ: “For me it started after this movie. I can’t believe that Wolfgang is gone “.

Burial of Wolfgang Kohlhaase: former mayor in office Walter Momper (77) with his wife Anne (78) — Former Mayor Walter Momper (77) with his wife Anne (78) Photo: DAVIDS / Christina Kratsch

But Wolfgang Kohlhaase’s humanity will survive in his works, the former Berlin governor Walter Momper (77) is convinced: “His films are like life. But with a great dose of wit”.