Kafka2024

Director
David Schalko

Actors

Joel Basman (Franz Kafka)
David Kross (Max Brod)
Nicholas Ofczarek (Hermann Kafka)
Liv Lisa Fries (Milena Jesenska)
Lars Eidinger (Rainer Maria Rilke)
Christian Friedel (Franz Werfel)

The story of Franz Kafka’s life from different perspectives. Presenting his difficult relationship with his domineering father Hermann, his deep friendship with Max Brod, and his various love affairs.

Franz Kafka is one of the most important writers of the 20th century. His writings are strange and dark, his personality complex, and his influence undiminished. However, without his best friend’s breach of trust, the world might never have known Kafka’s work. Born in Prague in 1883, Kafka grew up to become a complicated individual, struggling with relationships, particularly with women, and detesting his office job, as his oppressive father made life unbearable. He discovered his passion for writing, dedicating countless nights to crafting dark, intricate stories, yet he was never satisfied with his work. Kafka’s best friend, the author Max Brod, firmly believed in his genius and did everything he could to make him famous as a writer – even against Kafka’s will. A surprising and distinctively unique glimpse into the mind of a genius who challenges those around him to see the world in ways they never have before.

“So original and clever, fresh and entertaining. It’s excellent TV, to say the very least.” – The Arts Fuse

“A perfect drama for today’s troubled times.” – Jerusalem Post

“The best dramatization of the life of the great Kafka that it’s possible to imagine.” – Salman Rushdie