Films
Songs of Repression Sea of Sorrow – Sea of Hope Returned Little Revolution Promise
SONGS OF REPRESSION
A documentary by
Marianne Hougen-Moraga & Estephan Wagner 2020
Synopsis
At the foot of the Andes Mountains in Chile lies an idyllic German colony. However, the beauty of the place contains a grim past. In 1961, the German preacher Paul Schäfer and his congregation moved to Chile with the stated aim of helping the poor. They established Colonia Dignidad (Colony of Dignity), which transformed into a closed sect. This film explores how the remaining residents of the colony deal with 45 years of child abuse, collective beatings and slave-like living conditions. It also reveals how people in the colony assisted Pinochet’s dictatorship (1973 – 1990) in torturing and killing political prisoners and burying them in mass graves on their own 16,000 – hectare land.
In 2007, Schäfer was arrested and the colony opened up. During that process, the colony changed its name to Villa Baviera (Bavarian Village). Around 120 people still live there today. This film is about them – now. They work in agriculture and have turned the place into a tourist resort where you can relax, eat German cuisine and listen to yodeling. We meet those who completely deny the horrors and wish to only remember the bright moments, those who still today go through severe emotional struggles – and those caught in between.
CREDITS
Directors: Marianne Hougen-Moraga & Estephan Wagner
Producers: Final Cut for Real by Signe Byrge Sørensen & Heidi Elise Christensen
Co-producer: Viking Films
Executive producers: Joshua Oppenheimer & Bruno Betatti
Camera: Estephan Wagner & Marianne Hougen-Moraga
Editors: Estephan Wagner & Niels Pagh Andersen
Sounddesign & mix: Jan Schermer
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SEA OF SORROW - SEA OF HOPE
A documentary by
Marianne Hougen-Moraga & Estephan Wagner 2018
Synopsis
Manal lives in Syria with her three children. A run-in with ISIS leading to death threats forces Manal to flee the country. She leaves her children behind, thinking they will be able to reunite, once she has reached Europe. However, after 10 long months in Denmark, she learns that she cannot apply for family reunification for another three years.
Manal decides to save her children. With the help of a smuggler, the children embark on the long journey from Syria to Denmark. They constantly update Manal by phone, also as they board a small boat to take them from Turkey to Greece. Then suddenly, the line goes dead – their boat has capsized. The Red Cross sends her photographs of drowned children, asking if they are hers.
After 9 long days, Manal learns, that her children have survived and are in prison in Turkey. She has no choice but to arrange yet another hazardous attempt to cross the sea, and another illegal journey to Denmark. After one year apart, the family is finally reunited.
CREDITS
Directors: Marianne Hougen-Moraga & Estephan Wagner
Producer: Lise Lense Møller/Magic Hour Films
Cinematographers: Estephan Wagner & Simon Plum
Music: Roger Goula
Sound design: Henrik Gugge Garnov
Production, archive, research and clearing: Kristoffer Barslund
RETURNED
A documentary by
Marianne Hougen-Moraga 2011
SYNOPSIS
Heine is a lonely man who lives in a big house in a remote part of Denmark. He shares his life with three dogs and a cat. The film describes Heine’s world and the wounds a mind can get from the traumatic experience of war.
Original Title “Hjemvendt”
English Title: “Returned”
CREDITS
Director: Marianne Hougen-Moraga
Producers: Anne Köhncke & Signe Byrge Sørensen
Editor: Signe Rebekka Kaufmann
Camera: Marianne Hougen-Moraga
Sound: Estephan Wagner
Music: Roger Goula
Sound design & mix: Alexandar Pavlovic
Graphics: Nicolas Servide Stafolani
LITTLE REVOLUTION
A documentary by
Marianne Hougen-Moraga 2010
SYNOPSIS
Juan Ramon's dream is almost fulfilled.
After having failed in the big revolution against the dictatorship in Chile in the 70'es, he is now busy changing the world from his garden, which is situated in between the Andes Mountains.
The only problem is his family. They want his attention and that stresses him out. Filmmaker, Marianne Hougen-Moraga invites you to meet her uncle in the middle of his struggle between giving his family and the big ideals enough attention.
Pequeña Revolución is an intimate film about idealism, family and belonging. Original Title “Pequeña Revolución” English Title: “Little Revolution”
CREDITS
Director, Producer, Camera: Marianne Hougen-Moraga
Editor: Signe Rebekka Kaufmann
Sound design & mix: Alexandar Pavlovic
Composer: Roger Goula
Final Cut Productions 2010
PROMISE
A documentary by
Marianne Hougen-Moraga 2007
SYNOPSIS
Filmmaker Marianne, documents her mother’s search for her long lost sister in Brazil. Marianne’s mother is a Chilean exile who got most of her family spread around the world after Pinochet’s coup in 1973.
Through the heart-breaking story of the sister’s destiny, an intimate portrait is created. And as the story unfolds, Marianne questions the importance of family and death from a personal, both witty and serious, perspective.
Original Title “Promesa”
English Title: “Promise”
CREDITS
Director/producer/camera/editor: Marianne Hougen-Moraga
Sound design & mix: Alexandar Pavlovic
Composer: Anna Rice
Goldsmiths College 2007