On April 28, 2025, renowned German actor and filmmaker Til Schweiger, 61, made an appearance at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Rostock, an event that was anticipated by many students and film enthusiasts. The event, titled "Fokus Film," was moderated by acclaimed director Andreas Dresen, who hoped to elicit insights and advice from Schweiger, known as Germany's most commercially successful filmmaker. However, the evening took an unexpected turn, leaving many attendees disappointed and bewildered.
As the audience settled into their seats, they were met with a packed auditorium, with some attendees even standing due to the high demand for tickets, which were priced at 20 euros for general admission and 13 euros for students. The atmosphere was initially electric, with Schweiger receiving a warm welcome as he entered the stage. Yet, as the evening progressed, the excitement quickly faded.
Despite the audience's eagerness for engaging dialogue, Schweiger's responses were often terse and unenthusiastic. Observers noted that he frequently yawned and seemed disinterested, even asking if smoking was allowed in the auditorium. This lack of engagement led to murmurs among the audience, with some attendees reportedly questioning whether he was under the influence of alcohol. "He seems drunk," was a sentiment echoed by several in the crowd, as reported by the Nordkurier.
Dresen, who is not only a director but also a professor at the university, repeatedly urged Schweiger to share more about his experiences and offer valuable tips to aspiring filmmakers. "We want tips, Til, tips!" he implored, but Schweiger often deflected these requests, instead sharing anecdotes that veered off-topic. He reminisced about his childhood dream of becoming a teacher and how that led to a brief stint in medical studies, which he subsequently abandoned.
One of the few pieces of advice Schweiger did provide was a vague admonition against envy in the industry: "Be not envious, grant other actors their success. Then success will come to you eventually, too." This, however, was overshadowed by his more controversial statements, such as declaring, "The Germans are per se the most envious people in the world," which left many in the audience puzzled.
The event's tone shifted further when Schweiger was confronted with questions regarding his recent controversies, particularly the allegations surrounding his behavior on the set of "Manta Manta – Zwoter Teil." In a report by Der Spiegel, accusations had surfaced about his alcohol problems and incidents of violence on set, including an allegation that he struck a crew member. When asked about these claims, Schweiger expressed frustration, stating, "I had the feeling that they wanted to shoot me down," and admitted to having consumed two bottles of wine the night before the event. He also acknowledged having struck a staff member, for which he claimed to have apologized, but dismissed much of the surrounding narrative as exaggerated.
As the evening continued, it became increasingly evident that Schweiger was struggling to maintain focus. Reports from the Ostsee Zeitung noted that he appeared detached, with some attendees observing that he even dozed off during video segments. The overall impression left by the actor was one of disinterest and distraction, raising concerns about his health and well-being among the audience.
After the event, the NDR (Norddeutscher Rundfunk) had recorded the discussion and initially published a video titled "Til Schweiger zu Gast in der Rostocker HMT." However, this video was soon removed from the broadcaster's website, leading to speculation about the reasons behind this decision. Viewers attempting to access the video were met with an error message, indicating that the content was no longer available. The NDR has not provided a clear explanation for the video's removal, further fueling the intrigue surrounding the event.
Audience reactions varied, with many expressing disappointment at the lack of substantive dialogue. A 23-year-old student described the experience as "a bit frustrating," noting that they had hoped for more insightful responses to their pressing questions. Another attendee remarked that it seemed as though Schweiger was not fully engaged in the experience, saying, "It felt like he was not putting much thought into what he was doing." Such sentiments were echoed by others, who left the event questioning whether Schweiger's recent health issues and allegations were impacting his performance.
In the wake of the event, concerns about Schweiger's health have been amplified. The actor has publicly acknowledged grappling with alcohol issues and has undergone therapy, which he referenced during the evening. His struggles have been well-documented, particularly following the Der Spiegel report that detailed troubling incidents on set. As he navigates these challenges, many are left wondering how they will affect his future in the film industry.
Ultimately, what was intended to be an enlightening evening for aspiring filmmakers turned into a perplexing encounter, leaving attendees questioning the motivations and state of one of Germany's most prominent cinematic figures. As Schweiger continues to confront his personal and professional challenges, the hope remains that he can reclaim his place in the industry and provide the insights and inspiration that his fans and students seek.
