Cold War biopic ‘Whispers of Freedom’ that was partly shot in Guernsey will premiere at British Independent Film Award (BIFA) qualifying Sunderland Shorts Film Festival this May.
The Guernsey-German co-production, written and directed by Guernsey filmmaker Brandon Ashplant, is set in 1980s East Germany, during the twilight years of the Cold War.
The film is based on the true story of Chris Gueffroy, a waiter who tried to flee East Germany after he discovered he was being conscripted to the army. The film portrays how he was the last person to attempt an escape through the Berlin Wall’s infamous death strip.
The film is being supported by both the DDR Museum in Berlin and Guernsey Arts, and was largely shot on-island by local production company Golden Goat Films. Production also took place on-location in Berlin, in July 2024.
Writer-director Brandon Ashplant said it was the result of two years of continuous work on the project.
“We began pre-production two years ago, in 2023, firstly seeking the blessing of Chris’ mother, Karin, to go ahead and tell his story. Upon graciously receiving her support, we worked hard to ensure the narrative’s authenticity, receiving the support of several leading German historians, authors, and institutions – including the Berlin Wall Memorial, and author-historian Katja Hoyer (author of Beyond the Wall).”
The team behind the production said “we arranged financing, then in 2024 we cast and shot the film”.
Much of the biopic was filmed in Guernsey with several locations recognisable including The Curry Room at the OGH – which was transformed into a restaurant for the Communist elite of East Germany.
Guernsey Water’s Kings Mill site also features, after being transformed into part of the Berlin Wall.
Other sites included the St Saviour Reservoir, the former Island FM premises in St Sampson’s, and Back Street in St Peter Port.
Mr Ashplant said local actors and crew worked alongside international names on the project including former Doctor Who actor Christopher Eccleston.
“Local support of the project had been huge”, he said, adding “there’s too many names to mention – 148 in total, and around 70% of them are local. I cannot thank them enough.”
Following the film’s World Premiere at Sunderland Shorts Film Festival in May, the film will continue its journey on the international film festival circuit, before having its local premiere on Friday 12 September at the Princess Royal Centre for the Performing Arts.
