A look behind Russian garage doors

How did you come up with the project?

Andrea Schütte: I met the Director Natalija Yefimkina several years ago during a joint film project (Girl in the Ice) in Russia, where she was working as 2nd assistant director. During this time she was looking for extras several times. During her search, she kept coming across people who spent a lot of their time in their garages, pursuing various hobbies and activities. When we were back in Germany, Natalija said that she would like to make a Documentary about the people in Russia behind the garage doors. She wanted to paint a picture of Russia that is rarely conveyed in the media. At the time, she had never worked as a Director before. "Garage People" is her debut film.

Dirk Decker: When the project came to us, we were busy bringing out "Some had crocodiles". In the end, we approached the people there in a very similar way to "Garagenvolk". In other words, very observational, without judgement. That's probably why the project appealed to us so much. It simply suited us.

How long did it take to find the garage colonies?

Andrea Schütte: Natalija travelled to Russia several times to do her research and got to know the people behind the garages bit by bit. But not everyone who has a great garage also has a great story or can tell it well. She then got in touch with potential protagonists again and again and kept in touch. In 2018, we filmed in several blocks over around 40 days.

Dirk Decker: In the first block, we did almost all the research. In the second shooting block, the Director of Photography broke his foot. In the third shooting block, we had to make up for what we hadn't managed to do in the second block due to the cancellation.

Andrea Schütte: The dramaturgy had to change a bit because we originally only wanted to shoot in the winter and now, due to the reshoot, we shot throughout the year. In hindsight, it was a lucky coincidence because we were able to span a larger arc.

What were the filming conditions like on location?

Andrea Schütte: We already had a bit of experience of filming in Russia. And luckily there wasn't much equipment that we had to take with us. Our two sound people came from Moscow and brought their equipment with them. We also got the permits for shooting quite quickly, as "Garagenvolk" is not necessarily a political film at first glance. At second glance, of course, it is, as the people also criticise the system. However, the conditions were not always easy for Natalija and our Director of Photography Axel Schneppat because they had to come to terms with the different moods of the protagonists and appointments were not always kept. This often called for a talent for improvisation and patience, without losing sight of the vision.

Who do you think are the most bizarre/exciting characters in the film?

Dirk Decker: I find the garage of the "digger" quite crazy, who simply dug down four storeys in his garage.

Andrea Schütte: My favourite protagonist is Roman, the poultry farmer. He shows a lot of personal suffering, but also happiness. He finds love in the film - and that really appeals to the romantic in me.

Dirk Decker: The scrap collector is also great with his completely crazy companion, who has unfortunately died in the meantime, just like the aforementioned Graves.

Andrea Schütte: Life in this region is anything but easy, the lifestyles anything but healthy.

Where did the team live during filming?

Andrea Schütte: One of our film locations is a ski resort with great mountains. The Scandinavians often go there, so there are a few hotels. Natalija, Axel and Konrad, our 2nd Director of Photography, lived in this village and travelled from there to the other villages where they found the garages. It's not a rich neighbourhood, but of course there are supermarkets. You can also find western items if you look for them.

In your opinion, what can we learn from the garage colonies?

Andrea Schütte: I believe in humility and a sense of community. You can't get as far on your own as you can together. Even if every garage is an individual product, the garage people are a community.

Dirk Decker: Humility is indeed a good keyword. It's impressive what tenacity the garage people have and how they keep their courage and humour despite this inhospitable region.

Andrea Schütte: People keep their dreams and don't give up. Our comfort often gets in the way, but they just keep going.

Why do you think the film should definitely not be missed at the Berlinale?

Andrea Schütte: Because it impressively shows the big picture on a small scale.