How much Rocca is in you?

I've noticed that children are often brought up with fears - I think that's wrong, children should be given much more confidence so that they can become confident and happy adults who are at peace with themselves. I always tell my children: "If you want something, you can do it". You have to give children more courage to tackle things and be independent. Rocca is all of that.

I think there's a big piece of Rocca in me. I rode my pony to school as a child, only to be told that it was forbidden to put a lead on a pony in the school playground. I stand up for things that I think are unfair and try to teach my children to tackle problems and not look the other way. All three are very committed and are part of the Hege Helping Hands organisation. They pack parcels for the homeless, collect returnable bottles to donate the money (see ROCCA) or travel to Namibia, for example, to restore huts in the township. I'm very proud of that. We're also all really cheerful.

Because Hamburg is simply such a beautiful city. So rich in great film locations, so varied. I've lived here for many years and feel really at home. So it was only natural that my ROCCA should also be set here.

I always just start writing and then the characters develop in me and my thoughts. It's difficult to describe. Of course, I also had a rough framework in my head for Rocca and knew what I wanted to tell about the girl. However, many of the characters and their relationships to each other only took shape during the writing process. I'm currently writing with a Director who works very differently, with a structure sheet and so on - I had to get used to it at the beginning.

It's really nice to have made something that almost everyone in Germany knows - so somehow you've already left something behind. I've also learnt an incredible amount in that time - especially from Til, when we worked on the script together and when I was allowed to look over his shoulder on set and in the edit. And I've been very lucky to be able to narrate other films as a result. Like Rocca, for example, which has been a project close to my heart for a very long time. I'm very grateful for that. I wonder how many people there are who have great scripts on their laptop but never get the chance to show them or even realise them.

Caroline Link would be great. I think she's really great. The first clips from "When Hitler Stole the Pink Rabbit" really inspired and moved me. But of course I would also like to make another film with Til. And now I'm really looking forward to Helena Hufnagel, the Director of my (our) next script.

We worked closely together and they did a really good job.

I'm currently writing from a book for the first time. It's different, but also exciting.

I think you leave the film with a smile and renewed energy and think "Now I'm going to do something again". The girl just fascinates you. It's an intergenerational film that works for every age group and everyone can take something away from it. ROCCA is simply fun, even if it's not always cheerful. Even I shed a lot of tears at the premiere. With laughter and tears.