Eckhart Schmidt, a multifaceted creative force, hailed from Sternberg, Moravia, now a part of the Czech Republic. This versatile individual wore many hats, serving as a director, writer, producer, photographer, and journalist throughout his illustrious career.
As a film critic for the renowned Süddeutsche Zeitung, Schmidt was affiliated with the Neue Münchener Gruppe (NMG),a collective of young German filmmakers with a distinct focus on commercial success and a youthful audience in mind. Unlike other prominent German film associations of the time, the NMG prioritized commercial viability and appeal to a younger demographic.
Schmidt's early works often delved into the realm of sexual tension and fantasies among young people navigating the complexities of adolescence. In 1978, he founded the groundbreaking punk magazine "Die Sau," which attracted contributions from an array of innovative musicians, including the likes of David Byrne, Devo, and Patti Smith.
Schmidt's commercial breakthrough in the film world came with "Der Fan" (1982),a captivating tale of a young girl obsessed with a pop star. This milestone marked a significant turning point in his career, paving the way for further success.
In the mid-1990s, Schmidt shifted his focus to television documentaries, amassing an impressive body of work throughout his career. Over the years, he directed an astonishing 22 feature films and at least 79 documentaries, in addition to authoring 16 books.
