Agnieszka Holland Draws Inspiration from Rafa Nadal for ‘Franz’

In a unique approach to character development, acclaimed director Agnieszka Holland has drawn inspiration from tennis champion Rafael Nadal for her latest film, “Franz.” The film features newcomer Idan Weiss, who portrays the iconic author Franz Kafka. In discussions about his role, Weiss revealed that Holland encouraged him to observe Nadal’s playing style to inform his performance.

Weiss explained, “She told me to look at how Rafa Nadal plays tennis because he has the kind of tics during the play. I tried to watch him to create tics and different movements in the body.” This unconventional method highlights Holland’s innovative approach to filmmaking, as she seeks to infuse Kafka’s character with a sense of vibrancy rather than the typical gloom associated with his works.

Holland elaborated on her vision for the film, stating, “About Rafa Nadal, it was not only how he has— to me—charming tics, but also he has some kind of aura, some sincere goodness.” She emphasized that she wanted Weiss’s portrayal of Kafka to embody warmth and color, steering clear of a dark and shadowy interpretation. This artistic direction aims to bring the character to life in a more dynamic way.

“Franz” has garnered significant attention and is nominated for a European Film Award. The film is set to be released in the United States by Cohen Media Group and is being distributed internationally by Films Boutique. It premiered as a special presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this year, marking a noteworthy debut for Weiss in a feature film project.

As part of its awards campaign, the film will be featured in an online screening, scheduled for December 2 at 15:00 GMT, as part of the For Your Consideration (FYC) Awards Screening programme. This initiative aims to highlight Poland’s entry for the Oscar race.

The Screen Podcast, hosted by Wendy Mitchell, produced this edition, which emphasizes the significance of “Franz” in the context of this year’s awards. It was edited by Tigrane Minassian and is sponsored by Marlene Film Production. New episodes of the podcast are released every other Thursday, continuing to engage audiences with insightful discussions about the film industry.

Through Holland’s thoughtful direction and Weiss’s compelling performance, “Franz” promises to offer a fresh perspective on Kafka, blending literary depth with elements inspired by the world of sports. As the film approaches its release, anticipation grows around how this unique fusion of influences will resonate with audiences globally.