Director's statement
I wanted to make a comedy about Europe because humor unites people across all differences - even if nationalism and xenophobia continue to spread. During the research for this film project, my co-writer and I dealt intensively with the topics of multiculturalism, racism, the economy of sharing, solidarity and Europe. Although we have long called Germany our home, our personal experiences as non-Germans have always been shaped by two different cultures, which we see as enriching.
In “More than Strangers”, a carpool from Berlin to Paris brings together five individuals of different nationalities in one car. On each leg of the journey, our protagonists are confronted with situations that challenge their moral convictions. They have to deal with misunderstandings, their own boundaries and those of others. Despite the disagreements, arguments, accusations and unexpected delays, the journey goes on and on, because everyone wants to arrive in Paris. Our characters come into conflict with and over a fellow traveler who does not have a residence permit. Everyone has to defend their position - no easy task - especially as the charismatic young man is surprisingly demanding and manipulative. Our own view of other cultures says a lot about us. We too have prejudices and clichés: so let's play with them. The language mix of German, French, English and Greek reflects the reality of a multicultural society. It is not only intended to create comic effects, but is also a creative definition: Words from other languages evoke specific emotions.
Sylvie Michel