I've been told that The Edukators has helped stimulate discussion and growth for a number of organizations in Germany. It's very flattering to hear and, of course, one wants to believe it's true even in a small way. I certainly believe that there have to be reforms in the economic system because it certainly appears to evolving into a revolutionary mess. When half the world is overweight and half starving, you know it cannot be good for the world's soul.

I'd say that about two-thirds of the filmmaking is now centered in Berlin. Part of it is simply because it's a cheaper place to live. But you need somewhere that functions efficiently and can handle the necessities that allow for a viable commercial industry to produce popular television programs and movies. It's almost impossible to support an art cinema without a functioning commercial one.

Cannes is like an artistic clearing house. I think we were probably too much in shock at being in competition to realize the import of the festival. But there you are on the red carpet for all the world to see and this little film we made [The Edukators] makes people laugh and think regardless of where they come from. It was actually our first public screening, so the stakes were really high.