Corsage, released in theaters on December 14, finds itself at the heart of a scandal. The cause ? The indictment of actor Florian Teichtmeister for possession of child pornography.
Released on French screens on December 14, Corsage finds itself in turmoil. According to information relayed by AFP, the Cineplexx cinema chain, which is responsible for more than 400 theaters in twelve countries, has decided to withdraw the work from the poster.
This decision follows the indictment of one of the film’s actors, Florian Teichtmeister, for possession of child pornography. The actor portrays Emperor François-Joseph in the feature film.
ORF public television, which co-financed Corsage, said it was abstaining “immediately to produce and distribute works with Florian Teichtmeister.” Note that Cineplexx operates theaters in Austria, Italy, Greece, Romania, Slovenia and the Balkans.
Screened at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard selection in 2022, Corsage is in the running to represent Austria at the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
The professional association of the film industry in Austria has issued a statement on this subject. Corsage’s candidacy will be maintained “in consultation with the director and the producers.”
According to the Austrian association, it is necessary “to differentiate between the film and the conduct of its actor.” Florian Teichtmeister’s lawyer had confirmed his client’s charge last Friday. He also said that the actor would plead guilty before the Vienna prosecutor’s office. He will be tried from February 8.
The director of Corsage, Marie Kreutzer, said to herself “saddened and angry that a feminist film is so smeared and damaged by the horrific actions of one person.”
In addition, in a press release sent to AFP on Sunday, the producers of the film, Johanna Scherz and Alexander Glehr, specified that the shooting had taken place before “the first rumors only appear in the fall of 2021.” They then set up a confrontation with the actor, who assured “with conviction that they were false.”
Felix Vratny Florian Teichtmeister in Corsage
“In the meantime, we have fully informed our co-producers, distributors and commercial partners, financiers and sponsors as well as the Academy of Oscars about the facts currently available to the public”they said.
As a reminder, the story of Corsage takes place at Christmas 1877. Elisabeth of Austria (Sissi), played by Vicky Krieps, is celebrating her 40th birthday. First lady of Austria, wife of Emperor François-Joseph I, she has no right to express herself and must remain forever the beautiful and young empress.
To meet these expectations, she adheres to a rigorous regimen of fasting, exercise, hair styling and daily height measurement. Suffocated by these conventions, eager for knowledge and life, Elisabeth rebels more and more against this image.