6 days ago
37
14
Posted On: October 29th 2026, 12:34 pm
I recently launched a Substack (bettinavonhase.substack.com / link in bio) and am sharing one of my first pieces here — hope you enjoy it.
The other day, I went to the UK premiere of ‘Fatherland’, directed by Pawel Pawlikowski, and starring Sandra Hüller and Hanns Zischler as Erika and Thomas Mann. The brilliant film (a must-see) is a poignant depiction of a trip the famous father-daughter duo took to both East and West Germany in 1949. It reminded me of my own essay, ‘Return to Fatherland’, of my family’s first visit to Silesia, my father’s birthplace, after German reunification. Some of the locations in the film were the same places we had visited during our trip. The film brought back the sheer weight and tragedy of post-war Germany, and prompted me to post my story here.
The other day, I went to the UK premiere of ‘Fatherland’, directed by Pawel Pawlikowski, and starring Sandra Hüller and Hanns Zischler as Erika and Thomas Mann. The brilliant film (a must-see) is a poignant depiction of a trip the famous father-daughter duo took to both East and West Germany in 1949. It reminded me of my own essay, ‘Return to Fatherland’, of my family’s first visit to Silesia, my father’s birthplace, after German reunification. Some of the locations in the film were the same places we had visited during our trip. The film brought back the sheer weight and tragedy of post-war Germany, and prompted me to post my story here.
Comments (14)
6 days agokatelllebourhis
I just read it and so much enjoyed it. Very evocative of your roots in a lost world . ❤️
6 days agoalexanola
I heard a review of it on the radio the other day. I can’t wait to see it. Thanks for posting!
6 days agolaufab_er
Am in ore of Pawel and definitely agree with him ‘mid- 20C implosion of the liberal order has echoes in what is taking place in Europe today. Good values and strong, resilient women, like you and me! Xx
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