Das Sichere Haus
Orange, California | Film Short
History, Drama
In 1977 a young woman is tasked with bombing a West German military base, and must decide between violent revenge or complicit pacifism. When her girlfriend and a fanatical leader stand in her way, explosive secrets are revealed. It's a tale of sacrifice and violence in a time of uncertain change.
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In 1977 a young woman is tasked with bombing a West German military base, and must decide between violent revenge or complicit pacifism. When her girlfriend and a fanatical leader stand in her way, explosive secrets are revealed. It's a tale of sacrifice and violence in a time of uncertain change.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In the 1960s and 70s, a significant movement emerged in West Germany, comprised of students, Marxists, and journalists. This movement came to be known as the "Rote Armee Fraktion," or in English, the "Red Army Faction" (RAF). The group's primary focus was countering the rise of fascism and addressing the perceived cruelty of the post-World War II West German government. Through a series of bombings, kidnappings, and hijackings, the RAF operated as an armed resistance against institutions and individuals associated with the surge of far-right and imperialist politics in the "new" Germany.
This period reached its zenith during what is now referred to as the "German Autumn" in the summer and fall of 1977. As their leaders were imprisoned, and with several members succumbing to hunger strikes and force feedings, the group escalated its attacks on imperialist institutions. In October 1977, the primary leaders of the Red Army Faction met their demise in prison, reportedly as part of a collective "suicide pact." Simultaneously, various ongoing RAF operations crumbled.
Das Sichere Hause = The Safe House.
Our film transports viewers to an RAF safe house in November 1977, shortly after the RAF leaders' deaths and following the recent loss of the main character Astrid's father at the hands of the state. Against the backdrop of this tumultuous period, our central character, Astrid, stands on the precipice of enacting a violent act of revenge. Meanwhile, her girlfriend Sussan, a longstanding RAF member, contemplates severing ties with the group following the Stammheim prison deaths. Klaus, their commanding figure, clings to the group's existence despite mounting challenges and uses aggressive tactics to rebuild.
As these three individuals converge, a volatile clash ensues, revealing dark secrets forever altering their trajectories. This intense confrontation prompts profound transformations, leaving none of them unchanged. This film encapsulates a pivotal historical era while delving into intricate personal narratives. By melding actual events with fictional characters, it navigates the emotional and ideological conflicts of its time. The story delves into questions about personal sacrifice, the cost of activism and political violence, and questions the blurry boundary between right and wrong. Through compelling characters and a tense narrative, the film invites audiences to reflect on the human experiences within a complex historical backdrop, similar to the one we face right now.
We are very excited to present this film as our senior thesis film at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University! Any amount of money you can donate to us will help us. We're putting the funds towards our stage build to sell the look of a 1970s German apartment, cine equipment to make the film timeless and cinematic, and for our amazing SAG actors. The film will be screened in April 2024 at Chapman University, before being submitted to festivals and then released online.
Photos from Suspiria (2018), Us (2019), Dark (2017), and If Not Us, Who? (2011)
Color Palette for Das Sichere Haus
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
SAG Actors
Costs $1,000
We want to make this film as good as possible, and a film is only as good as its actors. We hope to get an amazing cast!
Cooke Anamorphic Lenses
Costs $700
In order to achieve a cinematic and filmic look to emulate a 1970s time period, we'd like to rent anamorphic lenses.
Easyrig Rental
Costs $300
The tense nature of the film requires handheld camera movement, in order to keep everything looking good and stable we'd need an easyrig.
Set Build
Costs $500
We are filming on a stage! To sell our location as a 1970s German apartment, we need flats, peeling wallpaper, and windows.
Period Accurate Appliances and Props
Costs $500
To make the film historically accurate the appliances and props of the film need to remain consistent with the 1970s style.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Linus Engelhardt is a writer and director from Oak Park, Illinois. As the son of artists and growing up across the street from a movie theatre, he's had a love for film since birth. As a director he hopes to apply his passion for research and history to craft rich films about important and timely topics. He is currently a development intern at Grey Matter Productions where he applies his strong work ethic. This is his fourth short film, and he can't wait for everyone to share in this story.
Keely Johnson is a senior creative producing major who is very passionate about telling stories about women’s experiences. She has interned at places like Newport Beach film festival, and mosaic media group. She is an extremely hard worker and puts her all into her projects in order to make them the best they can be.
As a Latina passionate about being behind the camera, Itzany Friedman made her way into cinematography through her love and ability to paint with lights. Itzany has worked on numerous student film sets and has served in a variety of roles in the cinematography department as well as the production department. Itzany is passionate about what she does, who she is, and what she wants to become. She always seeks opportunities to improve her skills, be on set, and meet more people.
Nathan Slevcove is a current Dodge College undergrad student with an emphasis on editing. Although graduating in 2024, his passion for creating films has been present since he was a young boy. His first breakthrough came with the 2019 Anaheim Union High School District Film Festival, where he was nominated for best film of 2019. Since then, Nathan has created more short films along with commercials, documentaries, and other freelance work. In 2022, he got multiple opportunities to shoot and edit with social media influencers and YouTubers with followings in the hundreds of thousands. Nathan now focuses on his skillset on learning and editing on all types of media.
Charlie Posey is a writer, director, and sound designer from Houston, TX, working in post-production in LA for Trailers, Film and TV. He graduated from Chapman University this year, and is excited to work with the team to bring Das Sichere Haus to life!
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In the 1960s and 70s, a significant movement emerged in West Germany, comprised of students, Marxists, and journalists. This movement came to be known as the "Rote Armee Fraktion," or in English, the "Red Army Faction" (RAF). The group's primary focus was countering the rise of fascism and addressing the perceived cruelty of the post-World War II West German government. Through a series of bombings, kidnappings, and hijackings, the RAF operated as an armed resistance against institutions and individuals associated with the surge of far-right and imperialist politics in the "new" Germany.
This period reached its zenith during what is now referred to as the "German Autumn" in the summer and fall of 1977. As their leaders were imprisoned, and with several members succumbing to hunger strikes and force feedings, the group escalated its attacks on imperialist institutions. In October 1977, the primary leaders of the Red Army Faction met their demise in prison, reportedly as part of a collective "suicide pact." Simultaneously, various ongoing RAF operations crumbled.
Das Sichere Hause = The Safe House.
Our film transports viewers to an RAF safe house in November 1977, shortly after the RAF leaders' deaths and following the recent loss of the main character Astrid's father at the hands of the state. Against the backdrop of this tumultuous period, our central character, Astrid, stands on the precipice of enacting a violent act of revenge. Meanwhile, her girlfriend Sussan, a longstanding RAF member, contemplates severing ties with the group following the Stammheim prison deaths. Klaus, their commanding figure, clings to the group's existence despite mounting challenges and uses aggressive tactics to rebuild.
As these three individuals converge, a volatile clash ensues, revealing dark secrets forever altering their trajectories. This intense confrontation prompts profound transformations, leaving none of them unchanged. This film encapsulates a pivotal historical era while delving into intricate personal narratives. By melding actual events with fictional characters, it navigates the emotional and ideological conflicts of its time. The story delves into questions about personal sacrifice, the cost of activism and political violence, and questions the blurry boundary between right and wrong. Through compelling characters and a tense narrative, the film invites audiences to reflect on the human experiences within a complex historical backdrop, similar to the one we face right now.
We are very excited to present this film as our senior thesis film at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University! Any amount of money you can donate to us will help us. We're putting the funds towards our stage build to sell the look of a 1970s German apartment, cine equipment to make the film timeless and cinematic, and for our amazing SAG actors. The film will be screened in April 2024 at Chapman University, before being submitted to festivals and then released online.
Photos from Suspiria (2018), Us (2019), Dark (2017), and If Not Us, Who? (2011)
Color Palette for Das Sichere Haus
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
SAG Actors
Costs $1,000
We want to make this film as good as possible, and a film is only as good as its actors. We hope to get an amazing cast!
Cooke Anamorphic Lenses
Costs $700
In order to achieve a cinematic and filmic look to emulate a 1970s time period, we'd like to rent anamorphic lenses.
Easyrig Rental
Costs $300
The tense nature of the film requires handheld camera movement, in order to keep everything looking good and stable we'd need an easyrig.
Set Build
Costs $500
We are filming on a stage! To sell our location as a 1970s German apartment, we need flats, peeling wallpaper, and windows.
Period Accurate Appliances and Props
Costs $500
To make the film historically accurate the appliances and props of the film need to remain consistent with the 1970s style.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Linus Engelhardt is a writer and director from Oak Park, Illinois. As the son of artists and growing up across the street from a movie theatre, he's had a love for film since birth. As a director he hopes to apply his passion for research and history to craft rich films about important and timely topics. He is currently a development intern at Grey Matter Productions where he applies his strong work ethic. This is his fourth short film, and he can't wait for everyone to share in this story.
Keely Johnson is a senior creative producing major who is very passionate about telling stories about women’s experiences. She has interned at places like Newport Beach film festival, and mosaic media group. She is an extremely hard worker and puts her all into her projects in order to make them the best they can be.
As a Latina passionate about being behind the camera, Itzany Friedman made her way into cinematography through her love and ability to paint with lights. Itzany has worked on numerous student film sets and has served in a variety of roles in the cinematography department as well as the production department. Itzany is passionate about what she does, who she is, and what she wants to become. She always seeks opportunities to improve her skills, be on set, and meet more people.
Nathan Slevcove is a current Dodge College undergrad student with an emphasis on editing. Although graduating in 2024, his passion for creating films has been present since he was a young boy. His first breakthrough came with the 2019 Anaheim Union High School District Film Festival, where he was nominated for best film of 2019. Since then, Nathan has created more short films along with commercials, documentaries, and other freelance work. In 2022, he got multiple opportunities to shoot and edit with social media influencers and YouTubers with followings in the hundreds of thousands. Nathan now focuses on his skillset on learning and editing on all types of media.
Charlie Posey is a writer, director, and sound designer from Houston, TX, working in post-production in LA for Trailers, Film and TV. He graduated from Chapman University this year, and is excited to work with the team to bring Das Sichere Haus to life!