Oliver Sechting: "He wanted to be reborn as a frog"
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Filmmaker Rosa von Praunheim's husband, Oliver Sechting, is completing his late partner's final work, "Sex und Tod."
- Sechting, who was married to von Praunheim for five days, reflects on their 18-year relationship and their shared life in Berlin.
- The article touches on von Praunheim's legacy as a pioneer of queer cinema and their personal life, including a detail about frog-themed wedding rings.
Oliver Sechting is continuing the work of his late partner, Rosa von Praunheim, by completing his final film, "Sex und Tod." Von Praunheim, a seminal figure in the German gay rights movement and a pioneer of queer cinema, passed away, leaving this project unfinished. Sechting, who was married to von Praunheim for five days, shared an 18-year relationship with the filmmaker.
The article delves into their personal life, describing their shared living space in Berlin-Charlottenburg, where the names "v. Praunheim, Mischwitzky, Sechting and M. Shephard" are listed on the doorbell. This indicates the presence of three men who lived in the apartment: Rosa von Praunheim, Oliver Sechting, and cutter Mike Shephard. A small kitchen area is mentioned, with a poem by von Praunheim hanging on the wall, written in his distinctive script.
Sechting reflects on their profound connection, referencing a photograph of them wearing wedding rings adorned with frog motifs. This detail hints at the unique and personal nature of their relationship. The conversation with Sechting, as presented in the article, explores themes of great love and an ongoing struggle, likely referring to the completion of von Praunheim's final artistic testament and the continuation of his legacy.
Rosa von Praunheim, born Holger Bernhard Bruno Mischwitzky, was a significant voice in German queer culture. His work challenged norms and brought LGBTQ+ issues to the forefront of public discourse. Sechting's commitment to finishing "Sex und Tod" ensures that von Praunheim's final artistic statement will reach audiences, carrying forward his legacy and the stories he sought to tell.
He wanted to be reborn as a frog.
Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.