Film Launch “A Language with Heart”

On 21 January, over 80 guests attended the launch of the film “A Language with Heart” at the Goethe-Institut in Wellington.

The idea for the movie was conceived early in 2010 in response to the need to promote the learning of foreign languages in New Zealand. Successful learners of German are the best spokespersons for German in New Zealand.

“A Language with Heart” aims to illustrate the many positive characteristics of the German language as well as the amazing opportunities that come with learning German. Anja Schönborn, who produced and filmed the movie, accompanied the protagonists in their daily life in New Zealand as well as on their trips to Germany, and showed their various experiences from many different angles. One of the protagonists, Lauren van Noorden, attended the launch.

Ambassador Thomas H. Meister gave an opening address at the launch and praised the producers' and protagonists' achievements.

The film scored many laughs as it depicts in a humorous way how the protagonists study, prepare for their trip and develop a great affection for the German language and culture. The making of the film was also an enriching experience for the producers as it caused them to reflect on the special characteristics and unique features of their own country.

At the reception afterwards, the audience spoke very positively about the film and many took along one of the free DVDs to spread the message of “A language with Heart”.