Black Mandala, an innovative sales company from New Zealand, has secured global rights to Traumnovelle, an evocative English-language adaptation of Arthur Schnitzler’s 1926 novella, which famously influenced Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut. This bold project, initially highlighted by Variety, stands out as one of Black Mandala’s major undertakings, paving the way for an intriguing exploration of desire, deceit, and deep thoughts about life.
Directed by Florian Frerichs, known for The Last Supper, Traumnovelle tells a story filled with mystery and sensuality. The film centers on Jakob, a doctor living in Berlin, whose life shifts dramatically as he ventures into the city’s hidden nightlife. Nikolai Kinski, son of the legendary Klaus Kinski, plays Jakob, alongside Laurine Price and a talented cast featuring Detlev Buck, Nora Islei, Bruno Eyron, and Sharon Kovacs, who each add richness to their characters.
Set in contemporary Berlin, Traumnovelle immerses Jakob in a world where dreams mix with real life. As he explores secret erotic gatherings and a surreal masked opera, he faces his deepest fears, desires, and ethical challenges. Produced by Warnuts Entertainment along with Thomas Kretschmar Film, Gretchen Film, K-Motion, and Studio Babelsberg, the film comes with a budget of over €1 million ($1.03 million) and is launching on more than 60 screens across Germany. While it has performed well domestically, all German rights beyond the initial release and global distribution rights are still up for grabs as Black Mandala positions this film as a key offering in the upcoming European Film Market (EFM).
Florian Frerichs sees Traumnovelle as a unique experience that breaks away from typical genres. “This isn’t merely a thriller or an erotic drama; it’s a reflection on the human experience,” he shares. “It examines the dance between fantasy and reality, pushing viewers to think about their true desires versus societal expectations.” He further notes, “We aim to craft a cinematic experience that resonates long after the film ends, leaving audiences both thrilled and reflective.”
For Black Mandala, Traumnovelle marks an exciting progression in its commitment to bold storytelling. Their recent collaborations include a partnership with Australia’s Black Forest Films for projects like Haunted & Devoted, Grand Finale: A New York Odyssey, Bubblegum, and an unannounced survival horror film. The company has also acquired rights to Play Dead and Lake Jesup: Bonecrusher’s Revenge, further demonstrating its dedication to offering engaging and thought-provoking films.
With Traumnovelle, Black Mandala encourages audiences to step into a captivating story that dances between light and darkness, logic and longing. It’s a film that bravely tackles tough questions and leaves viewers to ponder the answers. Originally brought to light by Variety, this acquisition highlights Black Mandala’s expanding presence in the global film scene.
