German director Julia von Heinz's first English-language movie, 'Treasure,' premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, showcasing the convincing performances of Stephen Fry and Lena Dunham as father and daughter. Set in post-communist Poland, the comedy-drama follows the characters on a road trip to retrace family history.
In the film, Fry portrays Holocaust survivor Edek, who embarks on the journey with his daughter Ruth, played by Dunham, a New York journalist. As they delve into Edek's past and confront painful memories, the story unfolds based on Lily Brett's book 'Too Many Men.'
Both actors connected with their Jewish heritage for the roles, with Fry learning Polish to enhance authenticity. Dunham, whose family hails from Poland, discovered personal ties to the narrative, uncovering her great-grandmother's tragic history during the Holocaust.
The film explores the intergenerational impact of trauma, shedding light on the repercussions of unspoken experiences. Von Heinz aimed to delve into the complexities of family history and the lasting effects of war and trauma on subsequent generations.
Despite challenges in filming at historical sites like Auschwitz, von Heinz recreated key scenes to capture the essence of Edek's story. The director emphasized the emotional weight of such locations and their influence on the actors' performances.
Against the backdrop of rising antisemitism and far-right sentiments, the film's themes resonate with contemporary societal issues. The cast's solidarity during recent conflicts underscored the timeliness of the film's message, prompting an expedited release at the Berlinale.
Dunham highlighted the broader relevance of the narrative, addressing themes of fear, isolation, and discrimination beyond the Jewish experience. She emphasized the importance of sharing stories that illuminate the consequences of violence and intolerance across generations.
