The crew of the successful Austrian film about Sissi “Bodice”in the running for the Oscars, was in turmoil this Sunday, January 15, after the announcement of the indictment for possession of child pornography of Florian Teichtmeister, the actor who plays the Emperor François-Joseph.
ORF public television, which co-financed the feature film, “immediately refrains from producing and distributing works with Florian Teichtmeister”can we on the website of the audiovisual group.
According to the ORF, the cinema chain Cineplexx, which manages 400 theaters in twelve countries, has also withdrawn from the poster the work presented last year in Cannes in selection ” In some perspective “.
On the other hand, the professional association of the film industry in Austria informed AFP that it maintained “in consultation with the director and the producers” the candidacy of “Bodice” for the Oscars. It’s necessary ” make the difference “ between the film and the conduct of its actor, she pleads, when she selected him to represent the country for the next ceremony, in the category of best foreign film.
He will plead guilty
On Friday, Florian Teichtmeister’s lawyer, 43, announced to the media the indictment, since confirmed by the Vienna prosecutor’s office, of his client who intends to plead guilty and will be tried from February 8. He is accused of having possessed a large quantity of child pornography material, at least between February 2008 and August 2021. He risks up to two years of deprivation of liberty.
In a press release sent to AFP on Sunday, the producers of the film “Bodice”Johanna Scherz and Alexander Glehr, claim that filming took place before “the first rumors” do not appear “fall 2021”. Confronted, the actor then told them “with conviction” what were “false”. The producers add:
“In the meantime, we have informed in detail our co-producers, distributors and commercial partners, financiers and sponsors as well as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences [qui remet les Oscars] on the facts currently available to the public. »
A hit in theaters
The director and screenwriter of “Bodice” Marie Kreutzer said to herself “saddened and angry than a feminist film […] be so soiled and damaged by the horrible actions of one person”.
The Austrian national theater Burgtheater, where the actor is a member, has also announced his dismissal with immediate effect.
The film, which is a hit in theaters and has been presented at nearly 70 festivals where it has received several awards, has been purchased by more than 90 countries.
