Oscar contender ‘Corsage’ in turmoil after actor charged with possession of child pornography

The crew of the successful Austrian film about Sissi Bodicein the running for the Oscars, was in turmoil on Sunday January 15, after the announcement of the indictment for possession of child pornography material of 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to the ORF, the cinema chain Cineplexx, which manages more than four hundred theaters in twelve countries, has also withdrawn from the poster the work presented last year at Cannes in the Un certain regard selection.

The professional association of the film industry in Austria told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that it maintained, however, “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.

Florian Teichtmeister’s lawyer announced to the media on Friday the indictment, since confirmed by the Vienna public prosecutor’s office, of his 43-year-old client, who intends to plead guilty and will be tried from February 8.

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Success in theaters

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 BodiceJohanna Scherz and Alexander Glehr, claim that filming took place before “the first rumors” do not appear, “fall 2021”. Confronted, the actor told them “with conviction” what were “false”.

“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. »

The film, which is a success in theaters and has been presented in about seventy festivals, where it has received several awards, has been bought by more than ninety countries. It was released at the end of December in the United States. Florian Teichtmeister attended premieres in Austria and Germany.

The director and screenwriter of BodiceMarie Kreutzer, said to herself “saddened and angry than a feminist film (…) be so soiled and damaged by the horrible actions of one person”.

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The Austrian national theater Burgtheater, where the actor is a member, has also announced his dismissal with immediate effect.

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The World with AFP

source site-19