The Circle(Der Kreis)
‘The Circle’ a film by Stefan Haupt opens in theaters December 18th, 2014.
The Circle is one of the best documentary feature films I have seen for 2015. The film depicts the story of Ernst Ostertag a shy young teacher who becomes a member of the gay organization (DER KREIS) The Circle whose publication unites the post World War 11 gay community in Switzerland. Also a member of The Circle is cabaret singer and female impersonator Robi Rapp when the two meet it is a relationship that they both cannot resist. As Ernst struggles with his homosexuality and Robi finds himself in his first serious relationship they deal with a world where their lifestyle is not accepted. The film goes between a narrative of the lives of Ernst and Robi as they comment on the scripted sequences of the film.
The story charts the repression against homosexuals in Zurich as these two young men from different backgrounds attempt to find a life together as they fight for the right of gays. With perseverance and courage Ernst and Robi survive; making history both at the age of 73 finally becoming the first legally married same-sex couple in Switzerland.
THE CIRCLE is directed by Stefan Haupt with funding from Zucher Filmstiftung and Swiss Filmstiftung and the Swiss Federal Office of Culture. The film features Röbi Rapp and Ernst Ostertag and the actors that portray them are Sven Schelker and Matthias Hungerbühler. THE CIRCLE is distributed in the U.S. by Wolfe Releasing.
Switzerland’s Official Submission for Best Foreign Language Film at the 87th Academy Awards®
Winner – Panorama Audience Award at 2014 Berlin International Film Festival
Winner – Teddy Award at 2014 Berlin International Film Festival
Winner – Grand Jury Award 2014 Outfest Los Angeles
