Volkmar Koch, a filmmaker from Könnern, is crafting a multi-part children's film using handmade marionettes in a former bakery, aiming for international cinema success.

Handmade Production

Volkmar Koch is building five marionettes and all film sets by hand in a converted bakery in Könnern.

Passion Project

Despite professional film experience, Koch pursues this project in his free time alongside his regular job and family duties.

Cinematic Ambition

The goal is to bring the story of marionettes questioning their existence to major German and international cinemas.

Volkmar Koch, a filmmaker based in Könnern, is currently developing a multi-part children's film featuring five handmade marionettes. The production is situated in the premises of a former bakery within the town of Könnern, located in the Salzlandkreis district of Saxony-Anhalt. Koch personally constructs the wooden figures used in the project, which are designed to come to life at the start of the narrative. This independent endeavor involves the participation of Koch's children and several acquaintances who assist with the various stages of filming. The filmmaker aims to transition the project from its local roots to a broader audience. Könnern is a town in Saxony-Anhalt that was historically known as Cönnern until 1911. It serves as a regional transport hub where the B6 and B71 federal highways intersect. On January 1, 2010, the town expanded its jurisdiction by incorporating the former municipalities of Cörmigk, Edlau, Gerlebogk, and Wiendorf. The town is also served by the Könnern railway station, connecting it to the wider German rail network.

Although Volkmar Koch is a trained filmmaker with prior experience on professional film sets, he currently pursues this project as a personal passion alongside his primary employment at a local business. This shift in his career path was influenced by family commitments that required a more stable presence in Könnern. Despite the transition to a different professional field, he continues to utilize his technical skills to manage the multi-part production. The project represents a significant investment of his free time and resources.

The ultimate ambition for the production is to secure screenings in major cinemas across Germany and on the international stage. Koch is working toward bringing the story of the five marionettes to the very big stages, according to reports by dpa. The multi-part format suggests a long-term commitment to the narrative and character development of the puppets. By involving his family and local community, Koch has turned the old bakery into a functional film studio for this specific creative goal. The project highlights a trend of independent regional filmmaking within the state of Saxony-Anhalt.