Private Project

The Fate of Cysalion

The Fate of Cysalion is a three-hour live-action musical that blurs the line between film and theatre. It is the centrepiece of a fantasy saga that tells an epochal story of heroes, villains and ancient powers. The story takes place in a distant place called Cysalion. In 1898, the boy Tayen Knightway is sent on a risky mission by the last living Vartori and ponders seminal events that took place some two hundred years earlier. An epic adventure unfolds before the viewer's eyes as two young girls embark on a breathtaking journey amidst kingdoms and empires.

  • Marc Blasweiler
    Director
  • Marc Blasweiler
    Writer
  • Marc Blasweiler
    Producer
  • Peter Groß-Paaß
    Key Cast
    "Caylen Stonegate"
  • Nicole Schuhmacher
    Key Cast
    "Tara Rivershine / Kiares Aavari"
  • Olaf Jansen
    Key Cast
    "Dovaras Naaro / Dargos Zarva"
  • Marc Blasweiler
    Key Cast
    "Decem von Galen"
    Shinytainment Pictures
  • Kathrin Vogel
    Key Cast
    "Vajeen Aweth"
  • Chii Rempel
    Key Cast
    "Aneta Claywood"
  • Nicole Fröhlich
    Key Cast
    "Jade von Galen"
  • Scott Krausen
    Key Cast
    "Melven von Galen"
  • Anna Krausen
    Key Cast
    "Marron Stocio"
  • Kerstin Huber
    Key Cast
    "Tolshara alias 'Slippy Shara'"
  • Ralf Pappers
    Key Cast
    "Arkon von Regat"
  • Jörg Scheewel
    Key Cast
    "Cassidy 'Mc Muscle' Destat"
  • Wolfgang Hohlbein
    Key Cast
    "Flynt Eschenloh "
  • Ariane Blasweiler
    Key Cast
    "Jes von Disneja / Samantha 'Ratty' Cogito"
    Shinytainment Services
  • Noah Schletter
    Key Cast
    "Tayen Knightway"
  • Karsten Loffeld
    Key Cast
    "Lathus Amatath / Nuntius Drej"
  • Petra Latour
    Key Cast
    "Rondriadora Rothaar / Bärtige Berta"
  • Roland Loberg
    Key Cast
    "Ubron Eisenstolz / Hakim Quresha"
  • Tina Lohse
    Key Cast
    "Anassa 'Zo' Zosa"
  • Adriano Augello-May
    Key Cast
    "Dillon 'Lynn' Javalasi"
  • Melissa Charlot May
    Key Cast
    "Olivia von Hernsfeld / Borkaj 'Börki' Gleen"
  • Kira Höft
    Key Cast
    "Alaris Eldaar / Arbella 'Aba' Cardigon"
  • Kim Steuer
    Key Cast
    "Hector Tenegal"
  • Annette Gralke
    Key Cast
    "Ambika Meelar / 'Luro' alias Madame Luronia"
  • Hans-Peter Eich
    Key Cast
    "Tankred Coval"
  • Margarita Dück
    Key Cast
    "Rita 'Karda' Sansal"
  • Andrea Bühring
    Key Cast
    "Harlej von Berfenn / Fariha 'NicNac' Cogito"
  • Sabine Berge
    Key Cast
    "Torania von Freihajn / Astraika 'Aska' Inark"
  • Alexandra Stähler
    Key Cast
    "Delba 'Deli' Dschambal"
  • Lucien Rzepka
    Key Cast
    "Tháramiel 'Tharna' Vilmica"
  • Cordula Fröhlich
    Key Cast
    "Meredin Léanette"
  • Sarah Lehmann
    Key Cast
    "Larion 'Larr' Tecad"
  • Alexander Schürlein
    Key Cast
    "Nellaja 'Nelle' Keziban"
  • Sarah Heckhoff
    Key Cast
    "Belania 'Tolga' Kiriban"
  • Mike Haupeltshofer
    Key Cast
    "Alestaire 'Alec' Javalasi"
  • David Bühring
    Key Cast
    "Beskan 'Ska' Jellon"
  • Paul Flynn
    Key Cast
    "Rojan Grimbottom"
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Das Schicksal von Cysalion
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Feature, Music Video, Television, Web / New Media, Other
  • Runtime:
    3 hours 8 minutes 58 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 22, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    1,150,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Germany
  • Country of Filming:
    Germany
  • Language:
    German
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital (RED 4K) (HDTV)
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Hollywood Gold Awards
    California
    United States
    March 5, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Original Score
  • Boden International Film Festival
    Boden (Sweden)
    Sweden
    February 15, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Experimental Film
  • New York International Film Awards
    New York
    United States
    February 6, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Musical Film
  • New York International Film Awards
    New York
    United States
    February 6, 2023
    Finalist / Best Fantasy Film
  • New York Cinematography Awards
    New York
    United States
    August 14, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Original Score
  • 8 & Halfilm Awards
    Rome
    Italy
    February 9, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Musical
  • 8 & Halfilm Awards
    Rome
    Italy
    February 9, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Web/TV Series
  • 8 & Halfilm Awards
    Rome
    Italy
    February 9, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Fantasy
  • Onyko Films Awards
    Odesa
    Ukraine
    August 1, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Acting Feature Film
  • Onyko Films Awards
    Odesa
    Ukraine
    August 1, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Costume Design
  • Frida Film Festival
    Paris
    France
    March 8, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Fantasy
  • Frida Film Festival
    Paris
    France
    March 8, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Feature Film
  • Fox International Film Festival
    Rome
    Italy
    February 28, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Fantasy
  • Fox International Film Festival
    Rome
    Italy
    February 28, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Costume Design
  • Fox International Film Festival
    Rome
    Italy
    February 28, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Poster
  • Hercules Independent Film Festival
    Sevilla (Andalusia)
    Spain
    March 5, 2023
    Honorable Mentions / Best First Time Director (Feature)
  • Hercules Independent Film Festival
    Sevilla (Andalusia)
    Spain
    March 5, 2023
    Honorable Mentions / Best Fantasy
  • New York Movie Awards
    New York
    United States
    March 5, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Original Score
  • UFA Palast Wächter Awards
    Düsseldorf
    Germany
    May 19, 2018
    UFA Palast Düsseldorf
    Award Winner / Best Epic Director
  • UFA Palast Wächter Awards
    Düsseldorf
    Germany
    May 19, 2018
    UFA Palast Düsseldorf
    Award Winner / Best Epic Film Editing
  • UFA Palast Wächter Awards
    Düsseldorf
    Germany
    May 19, 2018
    UFA Palast Düsseldorf
    Award Winner / Best Epic Sound
  • UFA Palast Wächter Awards
    Düsseldorf
    Germany
    May 19, 2018
    UFA Palast Düsseldorf
    Award Winner / Best Epic Original Screenplay
  • UFA Palast Wächter Awards
    Düsseldorf
    Germany
    May 19, 2018
    UFA Palast Düsseldorf
    Award Winner / Best Epic Visual Effects
  • UFA Palast Wächter Awards
    Düsseldorf
    Germany
    May 19, 2018
    UFA Palast Düsseldorf
    Award Winner / Best Off Speaker
  • UFA Palast Wächter Awards
    Düsseldorf
    Germany
    May 19, 2018
    UFA Palast Düsseldorf
    Award Winner / Best Nerve Costume
  • UFA Palast Wächter Awards
    Düsseldorf
    Germany
    May 19, 2018
    UFA Palast Düsseldorf
    Award Winner / Best Music (Original Score)
  • UFA Palast Wächter Awards
    Düsseldorf
    Germany
    May 19, 2018
    UFA Palast Düsseldorf
    Award Winner / Best Dance Direction
  • UFA Palast Wächter Awards
    Düsseldorf
    Germany
    May 19, 2018
    UFA Palast Düsseldorf
    Award Winner / Best Cinematography
  • UFA Palast Wächter Awards
    Düsseldorf
    Germany
    May 19, 2018
    UFA Palast Düsseldorf
    Award Winner / Best Art Direction
  • UFA Palast Wächter Awards
    Düsseldorf
    Germany
    May 19, 2018
    UFA Palast Düsseldorf
    Award Winner / Best Costume Design Team
  • UFA Palast Wächter Awards
    Düsseldorf
    Germany
    May 19, 2018
    Honorary Award / Best Nude Enaiy Scene
  • Stockholm City Film Festivals
    Stockholm
    Sweden
    February 19, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Screenplay
  • Hollywood Blood Horror Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    March 1, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Fantasy
  • Hollywood Blood Horror Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    March 1, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Producer
  • Hollywood Blood Horror Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    March 1, 2023
    Award Winner / Best First Time Director
  • Hollywood Blood Horror Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    March 1, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Actor
  • Hollywood Blood Horror Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    March 1, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Actress
  • Hollywood Blood Horror Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    March 1, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Supporting Actor
  • Hollywood Blood Horror Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    March 1, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Supporting Actress
  • Hollywood Blood Horror Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    March 1, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Cinematography
  • Hollywood Blood Horror Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    March 1, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Sound Design
  • Hollywood Blood Horror Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    March 1, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Original Score
  • Hollywood Blood Horror Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    March 1, 2023
    Award Winner / Best VFX
  • Hollywood Blood Horror Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    March 1, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Costume Design
  • Hollywood Blood Horror Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    March 1, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Special FX
  • Hollywood Blood Horror Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    March 1, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Makeup and Hairstyling
  • Hollywood Blood Horror Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    March 1, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Trailer
  • Hollywood Blood Horror Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    March 1, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Poster
  • Golden Giraffe International Film Festival
    Nice
    France
    March 8, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Fantasy Film
  • Rome Movie Awards
    Rome
    Italy
    March 12, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Fantasy
  • Rome Movie Awards
    Rome
    Italy
    March 12, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Experimental
  • Crown Wood International Film Festival
    Calcutta
    India
    March 12, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Fantasy Feature Film
  • Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival
    Athens
    Greece
    January 13, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Feature Film
  • Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival
    Athens
    Greece
    January 13, 2023
    Honorable Mentions / Best Original Score / Soundtrack
  • Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival
    Athens
    Greece
    January 13, 2023
    Honorable Mentions / Best Directing
  • Golden Lion International Film Festival (GLIFF)
    Calcutta
    India
    March 14, 2023
    Award Winner / Best International Feature Film
  • Titan International Film Festival
    Sydney
    Australia
    March 11, 2023
    Honorable Mentions / Feature Film
  • Hollywood Gold Awards
    California
    United States
    February 5, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Original Score
  • Golden Nugget International Film Festival
    London
    United Kingdom
    March 19, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Original Score (Feature Film)
  • Kiez Berlin Film Festival
    Berlin
    Germany
    March 20, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Director - Feature Film
  • Kiez Berlin Film Festival
    Berlin
    Germany
    March 20, 2023
    Award Winner / Dance Film, Feature
  • Kiez Berlin Film Festival
    Berlin
    Germany
    March 20, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Music Score Feature Film
  • Kiez Berlin Film Festival
    Berlin
    Germany
    March 20, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Feature Film
  • Symbiotic Film Festival
    Kiev
    Ukraine
    March 12, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Musical Film
  • World Cinema Awards
    Chicago
    United States
    March 31, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Musical Film
  • World Cinema Awards
    Chicago
    United States
    March 31, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Fantasy Film
  • Golden Lion International Film Festival
    Kolkata
    India
    March 14, 2023
    Award Winner / Best International Feature Film
  • Barcelona Planet Film Festival
    Barcelona
    Spain
    October 13, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Music Score / Soundtrack / Song
  • Crown Point International Film Festival
    Chicago
    United States
    April 2, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Director - Feature Film
  • Artist's Choice Awards
    Chicago
    United States
    April 8, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Actress
  • Artist's Choice Awards
    Chicago
    United States
    April 8, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Actor
  • Cult Critic Movie Awards
    Calcutta
    India
    April 7, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Films Score - Soundtrack
  • Five Continents International Film Festival
    Puerto La Cruz
    Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
    March 31, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Musical Feature
  • Five Continents International Film Festival
    Puerto La Cruz
    Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
    March 31, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Original Score Feature Film
  • Five Continents International Film Festival
    Puerto La Cruz
    Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
    March 31, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Costume Design Feature Film
  • Five Continents International Film Festival
    Puerto La Cruz
    Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
    March 31, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Poster
  • Five Continents International Film Festival
    Puerto La Cruz
    Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
    March 31, 2023
    Special Mention / Best Director Feature Film
  • Caravan International Film Festival
    Calcutta
    India
    April 13, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Film Score / BGM
  • Your Way International Film Festival
    Valletta
    Malta
    April 30, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Fantasy Film
  • Your Way International Film Festival
    Valletta
    Malta
    May 30, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Composer
  • The Atlantis Filmfestival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    May 3, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Picture
  • Mannheim Arts and Film Festival
    Mannheim
    Germany
    May 29, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Director - Feature Film
  • Paradise Film Festival
    Budapest
    Hungary
    May 3, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Fantasy
  • Denver Monthly Film Awards
    Denver
    United States
    May 2, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Ensemble
  • The Gladiator Film Festival
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    June 30, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Experimental
  • The Gladiator Film Festival
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    June 30, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy
  • Logcinema Theatre on Films
    Buenos Aires
    Argentina
    June 29, 2023
    Award Winner / Best theater adapted to the cinema
  • New York Film Awards
    New York
    United States
    March 5, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Picture
  • New York Film Awards
    New York
    United States
    March 5, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Fantasy Film
  • New York Film Awards
    New York
    United States
    March 5, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Director
  • Austin Action Fest & Market
    Texas
    United States
    May 15, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Costume Design
  • Austin Action Fest & Market
    Texas
    United States
    May 15, 2023
    Finalist / Best Action Actor
  • Austin Action Fest & Market
    Texas
    United States
    May 15, 2023
    Finalist / Best Action Actress
  • Austin Action Fest & Market
    Texas
    United States
    May 15, 2023
    Finalist / Best Original Score
  • Canadian Cinematography Awards (CaCA)
    Toronto
    Canada
    July 31, 2023
    Finalist / Best Director
  • Sweden Film Awards
    Stockholm
    Sweden
    February 19, 2023
    Finalist / First Feature Film
  • Los Angeles Cinematography AWARDS (LACA)
    Los Angeles
    United States
    July 27, 2023
    Finalist / Best Original Score
  • Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology
    Portland
    United States
    July 3, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Music
  • Golden Wheat Awards
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    July 30, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy
  • Golden Wheat Awards
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    July 30, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Edit/VFX
  • Golden Wheat Awards
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    July 30, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Poster
  • European Cinematography AWARDS (ECA)
    Amsterdam
    Netherlands
    February 7, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Producer
  • European Cinematography AWARDS (ECA)
    Amsterdam
    Netherlands
    February 7, 2023
    Finalist / Best Original Score
  • European Cinematography AWARDS (ECA)
    Amsterdam
    Netherlands
    February 7, 2023
    Finalist / Best Director
  • Top Film Awards
    London
    United Kingdom
    July 13, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Musical Film
  • Andromeda Film Festival
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    October 31, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Actor
  • Andromeda Film Festival
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    October 31, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Actress
  • Andromeda Film Festival
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    October 31, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Costume
  • Andromeda Film Festival
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    October 31, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy
  • Andromeda Film Festival
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    October 31, 2023
    Award Winner / Make Up Design
  • Film Arts and Hearts Film Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    October 4, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Stage Play
  • Aasha international film festival
    Nashik
    India
    September 21, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Feature Film
  • Mabig Film Festival
    Augsburg
    Germany
    November 18, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Adventure Film
  • Fortean Film Festival
    Gloucester
    United Kingdom
    October 11, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Movie (Feature)
  • Fortean Film Festival
    Gloucester
    United Kingdom
    October 11, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Director
  • Fortean Film Festival
    Gloucester
    United Kingdom
    October 11, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Magic and Witchcraft Film
  • Fortean Film Festival
    Gloucester
    United Kingdom
    October 11, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Poster / Press Kit
  • Fortean Film Festival
    Gloucester
    United Kingdom
    October 11, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Costume / Make-Up
  • Las Vegas International Film & Screenwriting Festival
    Las Vegas
    United States
    October 8, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Costume Design
  • Las Vegas International Film & Screenwriting Festival
    Las Vegas
    United States
    October 8, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Film Score
  • Las Vegas International Film & Screenwriting Festival
    Las Vegas
    United States
    October 8, 2023
    Award Winner / Fantasy Feature
  • Las Vegas International Film & Screenwriting Festival
    Las Vegas
    United States
    October 8, 2023
    Award Winner / Musical Feature
  • Las Vegas International Film & Screenwriting Festival
    Las Vegas
    United States
    October 8, 2023
    Award Winner / Musical Score (Standalone)
  • Las Vegas International Film & Screenwriting Festival
    Las Vegas
    United States
    October 8, 2023
    Finalist / Best Director
  • Las Vegas International Film & Screenwriting Festival
    Las Vegas
    United States
    October 8, 2023
    Finalist / Best Feature Film
  • Las Vegas International Film & Screenwriting Festival
    Las Vegas
    United States
    October 8, 2023
    Finalist / Best Hair and Makeup
  • Skiptown Playhouse International Film Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    October 6, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Musical Performance
  • Skiptown Playhouse International Film Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    October 6, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Costume Design
  • Close Film Festival
    Konya
    Turkey
    November 1, 2023
    Award Winner / Best Director
Distribution Information
  • Shinytainment Pictures
    Distributor
    Country: Germany
    Rights: All Rights, Internet, Video on Demand, Pay Per View, Hotel, Airline, Ship, Theatrical, Video / Disc, Free TV, Paid TV, Console / Handheld Device
  • Marc Blasweiler
    Sales Agent
    Country: Germany
    Rights: All Rights, Internet, Video on Demand, Pay Per View, Hotel, Airline, Ship, Theatrical, Video / Disc, Free TV, Paid TV, Console / Handheld Device
Director Biography - Marc Blasweiler

Marc Blasweiler was born on August 31, 1969 in Düsseldorf, Germany. He is an author, director, actor and producer. He loves acting in the theater and musicals. His feature film directing debut Das Schicksal von Cysalion (2022) was not his directing debut, but a milestone in his success story. He still works for numerous film productions as well as for advertising agencies and is constantly creating new ideas. He lives in Haan, a small suburb near Düsseldorf. For more than thirty years he has been working uninterruptedly and tirelessly in this way and is looking forward to many more directing jobs.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

This film will always be special to me because there were many triggers for it. On the one hand, there was always this dream of making my own film, which would then be shown on the big screen in the cinema. On the other hand, I often received strong feedback from my sweet wife Ariane, my family, friends, and acquaintances that I should make a film of my theatre and musical productions. They said they were very cinematic here and there. In addition, many actors in my show group Ring-Stars expressed the wish to take part in a film. Even the German best-selling author Wolfgang Hohlbein, with whom I shared the stage in 2009, asked me if I wouldn't like to make a serious film. So there were numerous moments when I was on the verge of taking the leap, but unfortunately, this dream was shattered by the lack of budget after I had drawn up and looked at the business plan. Thus, I basically continued with my daily work.

But after a show in 2009, it happened. I was at home in Düsseldorf. Thanks to a public holiday, it was a long weekend, and I was comfortably sitting at my PC, browsing the net, thinking about a new script for a funny stage play, and listening to some film scores by Hans Zimmer. Suddenly, thoughts and memories flashed through my mind, and images emerged that belonged to a completely different story than the one in front of me. I tried to concentrate again on the script I was writing, but it was no use. Star Wars-like Midi-chlorians, as silly as that term is, had taken over, sprouting ideas, and captivating images unfolded before my eyes and never let go.

From then on, this world literally forced itself upon me and my pen and wanted to be created! Embedded in an epic adventure, with numerous twists, secrets, and as the first part of an even bigger universe. Something fantastic, something that keeps you busy, something that makes you ask questions. A cool mixture of cloak-and-dagger film, a fantasy epic with its own mythology, and several cool antagonists, even a confrontation between protagonists. A modern tragedy about heroism and daring, heartbreak, and fates that would bring a tear to even tough guys' eyes, but without overtly glorifying anyone. Just that, without the classically stupid game between good and evil along with flying elves. On top of that, it would be great to play with different timelines and leave a profound social message and find yourself in the character's shoes. Then I knew it, "Oh dear, so it's going to be egg-cellent, okay, this is going to be tough!"

Haunted by this new idea, it dominated my time from then on. So at the end of 2009, I began to write a new script for this unusual story, as a kind of feature film for the stage and as a musical to boot. This was ready in its first form in 2010, and until 2014, I adapted it again and again. Then in 2018, the script for the film was ready.

But filmmaking is very expensive! What should I do now? There were now many steps between the first idea and the broadcast. And each of these steps cost time and money. The higher the technical effort and the bigger the team, the more money you have to raise, and that costs a lot of time again. A newspaper once said that a German feature film costs between one and ten million euros. Because German films reach far fewer viewers than international blockbusters, the budgets for productions are consequently lower.

So naturally, I knocked on European, national, and regional film funding agencies' doors, asked them, filled out bureaucratic forms and received rejections when they heard the word "fantasy" alone. Usually, they then run for the hills and quickly take to their heels. "Why don't you write a comedy?", "You'd better make a documentary," and the classic, "Apply again next year!" These are just a few of the responses I had to make do with.

So what is still wanted is the German lean curds of illustrated scripts. I think that before my script would even be realized in the German funding machine, as many people vote against it as lobbyists vote against a Berlin draft of a new law. I get a feeling similar to the one I get when I watch my cute sparrows defending their food from the window, signaling to all the birds: "Hey boy, stay away from my trough and get lost!" This machine has a number of suppliers and customers who create ever-increasing dependencies, and when "nobodies" like me show up, it shakes the balance of power as much as if it were revealed that Yaddle and Obi-Wan Kenobi were Grogu's parents. I even remember a quote from a golden robot who likes to talk about probabilities: "The odds are... well, they can't be calculated at all!"

My conclusion and the simple and plain truth: I had to do a lot myself, and it took a long, long, long time to complete the film! In the end, it was solely due to the lack of budget that I had to do so many things myself. Only with strength, idealism, and the additional investment in time, thanks to many helping hands, was I able to overcome this hurdle and let my film "The Fate of Cysalion" see the light of day as a three-hour live-action musical. I could write about the development here for hours, but I think the text would probably be too long.