Nowhere in Africa
Nowhere in Africa (German title: Nirgendwo in Afrika) is a 2001 German-language film directed by Caroline Link. The film is about a Jewish family which emigrates to Kenya during World War II to escape Nazis and run a farm. The film won an 2002 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It is based on an autobiographical novel by Stefanie Zweig.
Plot
In 1938 the Redlich family flees to Kenya from Nazi Germany as persecution of Jews slowly increases. Walter, a former lawyer, finds work as a farm manager and sends for his family. His wife Jettel has trouble adjusting to life in Africa, although their daughter Regina quickly adapts to her new environment, easily learning the language of the country and showing interest in local culture. Regina soon forms a close friendship with the farm's cook, Owuor. When war breaks out, the British round up all German citizens, and hold them, whether Jew or gentile, seperating men from women. The Redlichs' marriage begind to deteriorate—Jettel has an affair with a German-speaking British soldier while being held in a hotel. The Redlichs are eventually freed and find work running another farm. Walter decides to join the British army and wants Jettel to go to Nairobi with him, but she refuses and stays to run the farm with Owuar. By the end of the war, Jettel does not want to leave Africa, even though Walter is offered a job as a judge in Germany.
CastJuliane Köhler as Jettel RedlichMerab Ninidze as Walter RedlichSidede Onyulo as OwuorMatthias Habich as SüsskindLea Kurka as Regina (younger)Karoline Eckertz as Regina (older)Gerd Heinz as MaxHildegard Schmahl as InaMaritta Horwarth as LieselRegine Zimmermann as KätheGabrielle Odinis as Dienstmädchen KlaraBettina Redlich as Mrs. SadlerJulia Leidl as IngeMechthild Grossmann as Elsa KonradJoel Wajsberg as Hubert
AwardsDeutscher filmpreis (German Film Award, "Golden Lola") 2002*Best Film *Best Cinematography: Gernot Roll *Best Director: Caroline Link*Best Music: Niki Reiser *Best Supporting Actor: Matthias Habich Bayerischer Filmpreis (Bavarian Film Award) 2002*Best Production (Producer's Award) Bayerischer Filmpreis (Bavarian Film Award) 2003*Public Award74th Academy Awards*Best Foreign Language Film
External linksOfficial film site (in German)Zeitgeist Films page (in English)
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