The families were not properly informed about the film’s subject of pedophilia, and children on the set felt uncomfortable.
The report quotes both Seidl employees and the families – all anonymously. The subject was not explained in advance, and parents were denied access to the set. Children should have filmed unpleasant scenes with adult actors. Prescribed requirements for shooting with children, such as the approval of paediatricians and psychologists, were also not observed. A father said, according to “Spiegel”: “I think they cheated on us because we are poor.”
- ZIB 1: Serious allegations against Ulrich Seidl
Seidl defends himself in a statement
In a statement, Ulrich Seidl says that “incorrect representations, rumors or events taken out of context on the set of ‘Sparta’ are assembled by the “Spiegel” into a distorted image that in no way corresponds to the facts”. Like all other actresses, the child actors were never pushed into doing things in front of the camera that they didn’t want to do. The young actors were also looked after throughout.
- ZIB 1: Peter Schneeberger (ORF) on the allegations against Ulrich Seidl
And “of course” the parents were informed about all the essential content of the film before shooting, the director clearly denies the allegations made by “Spiegel”: “During the shoot, we never exceeded the limits of what was ethically and morally required.”
Source: Nachrichten
