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Berlin Court Blocks Modified Version of 'Maria Ohm' in Authorship Dispute

The judge found the rewrite of a supporting character violated the screenplay author's rights.

Overview

  • The Landgericht Berlin II on Jan. 27 issued an injunction forbidding filming or release of the film in its altered form.
  • Judges said a male supporting role was rewritten as a female part and recast with Julia Jentsch in a way that infringed the author's rights.
  • The court noted Sarah Maria Sander had been promised a lead role but did not rule on whether its withdrawal was lawful, pointing instead to potential damages.
  • Filming proceeded in January with Vivien König in the lead, and any affected scenes would require reshoots if the injunction stands.
  • The production plans to appeal to the Kammergericht and denies political motives, while Sander and her lawyer allege discrimination following her pro‑Israel video on the project; costs are put at about €1.7 million.