Wim Wenders withdraws 1975 film after dispute over nude scene with 13-year-old Nastassja Kinski

The withdrawal and apology

Wim Wenders' 1975 film 'Falsche Bewegung' (False Movement) has been pulled from all current forms of distribution, the Wim Wenders Foundation announced on 3 June 2026. Streaming, TV and distribution partners have been instructed to make the film inaccessible to the public. The decision follows a long-running dispute over a roughly two-minute scene in which Nastassja Kinski, then aged 13, appears bare-chested.

Wenders issued a direct apology to the actress.

As the only one of those responsible for 'Falsche Bewegung' at the time who is still here, I see that Nastassja Kinski should have been better protected back then. For that I ask your forgiveness, Nastassja, without ifs or buts.

Kinski's years-long request

Kinski has said she has been asking Wenders for years to remove the scene. In a recent interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung, she reflected on her experience as a minor on set.

Even though I didn't know much at 13, I already realised that it wasn't right.

Her lawyer, Christian Schertz, had previously criticised Wenders for what he described as an attempt to evade personal responsibility, stating that the director had refused a personal conversation with Kinski about the scene for years. Schertz had indicated that formal legal steps were being prepared before Wenders' latest announcement.

Wenders' earlier remarks at the German Film Awards

At the German Film Awards, Wenders had said he would never make the scene that way today, though he added he could not reproach his younger self. He described the film as a product of its time. The director posed broader questions about how to handle controversial film heritage, asking whether a scene should be cut if it causes pain to an actress he admired. He called on the German Film Academy to open a debate on the subject.

Call for a wider debate on film heritage

In the foundation's statement, Wenders said the reactions and conversations of recent days had sharpened his view of the events. He argued that society needs to find appropriate ways of dealing with contentious 20th-century film works and to embrace new learning processes and perspectives. The foundation said it would seek a broad exchange on the matter.

Only after that, even if it takes longer, and after we have been able to present a mutually agreeable solution, also in consultation with Nastassja Kinski, will we release the film again.

Public pressure and Alice Schwarzer's intervention

The withdrawal also follows public pressure. Feminist publisher Alice Schwarzer, 83, writing in her magazine 'Emma', directly urged Wenders to act.

Wim: stop talking — and act! Finally cut those damned two minutes out of your film!

The film will remain unavailable until a consensual solution is reached with Kinski. No timeline has been set for its return.