1949/Vaterland: A Saga of Love, Art, and Turbulent Times

Name: 1949/Vaterland
Description: The Magician opens in a provincial German city at the turn of the twentieth century, where the boy, Thomas Mann, grows up with a conservative father, bound by propriety, and a Brazilian mother, alluring and unpredictable. Young Mann hides his artistic aspirations from his father and his homosexual desires from everyone. He is infatuated with one of the richest, most cultured Jewish families in Munich, and marries the daughter Katia. They have six children. On a holiday in Italy, he longs for a boy he sees on a beach and writes the story Death in Venice. He is the most successful novelist of his time, winner of the Nobel Prize in literature, a public man whose private life remains secret. He is expected to lead the condemnation of Hitler, whom he underestimates. His oldest daughter and son, leaders of Bohemianism and of the anti-Nazi movement, share lovers. He flees Germany for Switzerland, France and, ultimately, America, living first in Princeton and then in Los Angeles. (aka “FATHERLAND”)
Genre: Feature Film
Date Created: 06-12-25

Exploring the Depths of 1949/Vaterland: A Tale of Art, Family, and Struggle

1949/Vaterland is a compelling feature film that delves into the life of Thomas Mann, a renowned novelist navigating the complexities of artistry, family dynamics, and political turmoil. Set in a provincial German city at the turn of the twentieth century, the story follows Mann’s journey as he conceals his artistic passions and personal struggles from a conservative father, all while grappling with his desires and societal expectations.

The narrative unfolds as Mann marries into a cultured Jewish family, raises six children, and achieves literary stardom. However, as he witnesses the rise of Hitler and the onset of WWII, Mann’s family becomes embroiled in anti-Nazi activities, leading to a dramatic escape from Germany to seek refuge in Switzerland, France, and eventually America. Directed by Pawel Pawlikowski and featuring a talented cast, 1949/Vaterland promises a poignant exploration of love, identity, and the resilience of the human spirit amidst turbulent times.