"I Wanted to Look for Him, Even If I Wasn't Sure I Could Find Him": Director Agnieszka Holland Discusses 'Franz' in 'THR Frontrunners' Q&A

Polish filmmaker Agnieszka Holland has long been captivated by the work of Franz Kafka. She first encountered the celebrated Czech author as a teenager, she shared during a THR Frontrunners discussion about her biopic Franz, which premiered in Toronto. Before this latest project, Holland had already explored Kafka on screen with a 1980s Polish TV adaptation of The Trial, co-directed with her then-husband Laco Adamik.

It was, however, during the making of Franz that Holland discovered a fresh perspective on the writer. Returning to Prague for filming felt like coming back home, she said at THR Frontrunners London debut. There, I encountered a new presence of Franz Kafka, and it sparked my desire to seek him out. I didnt know if I could, but I had to begin that search.

She reflected on Kafkas legacy: Many intelligent and rigorous studies had almost buried him. Approaching the centenary of his death, I felt the delicate figure of Kafka had faded, yet he remains one of Pragues main attractions.

The three-time Oscar nominee, known for provocative works like Europa Europa (1990) and Angry Harvest (1985), appeared with Joseph Trojan, who plays Kafka, at Londons Dolby Screening Room Soho. Holland shared how she mixed Kafkas historical life with modern-day references in the film, highlighting the contrast between his origins and the commercialization of his image. Everywhere you go in Prague, Kafkas name pops up, she said. Some places changelike the Kafka burger in the filmbut inventive tributes remain, such as David erns Kafka head sculpture.

Holland imagined Kafkas reaction to such modern tributes. He was shy and wanted his work destroyed after his death, yet I think he would appreciate that sculpture. His father would also be astonished at his commercial success, she mused.

In Franz, Holland revives Kafkas family and friends: Peter Kurth portrays his strict father Hermann, Sebastian Schwarz his friend Max Brod, and Katharina Stark his sister Ottla. The standout performance, however, comes from newcomer Idan Weiss as Kafka, whose striking resemblance and fearless portrayal impressed Holland. He was entirely unknown, working in experimental theater and short films, she explained. Holland and screenwriter Marek Epstein decided that their fragmented narrative would only succeed with an actor capturing Kafkas essence as well as his appearance.

She detailed the casting process: We sought artists, poets, musiciansnot comedians. German casting legend Simone Br eventually sent three candidates, including Weiss. It felt almost metaphysical that Idan was her final gift to cinema, as Simone passed away before we could meet him.

During the panel, Holland also discussed why she chose to depict In the Penal Colony rather than The Metamorphosis or The Castle, explored the meaning of Kafkaesque, and shared how the film deepened her connection to the writer.

On Kafkas continued relevance, Holland noted: After Trumps election, Kafkas works surged in sales alongside Orwell and Philip Roth. The Trial resonates today because we believed in law and human rights, yet we now witness arbitrary and dehumanized systems where anyone can be accused or deemed guilty.

Poland has selected Franz as its submission for Best International Feature at the Oscars, honoring Hollands cinematic journey to uncover Kafka.

Author: Grace Ellison