Rebellion NYC
The creative journey of Berlin icon & photographer Sven Marquardt
Directed by Oliver Würffell
Interview by Tatev Avetisyan
Rebellion NYC portrays the story of one of Berlin’s most iconic and recognisable characters: Sven Marquardt. Directed by New York-based filmmaker Oliver Würffell, the documentary doesn’t focus on Sven’s background as a bouncer at Berghain, but rather recounts the artist's long-life journey into photography. Currently, Rebellion NYC is being exhibited alongside Sven’s captivating portrait photographs at Galerie Deschler in Berlin. In our conversation with the director, we reveal the story behind their friendship and what led them to work together on Rebellion NYC.
Framing an icon comes with a pinch of responsibility. How did you meet Sven and what led you to narrate his journey?
I met Sven on a commercial shoot nine years ago and we have stayed in touch ever since. Our friendship is based on mutual values - respect, honesty, and trust. Building that foundation allowed us to connect with each other and open up. Eventually, Sven reached out telling me about his lifelong vision of shooting portraits on the streets of NYC. I knew right away that this would make an interesting story - one I was excited to tell.
What was the creative process like? How did you decide on the location and casting?
From the beginning, I envisioned the film's vibe to be New York City in the 80s - gritty textures you see and feel in every frame. Therefore I decided to shoot in iconic New York locations that capture the rich patina of the city. From the unseen corners of Downtown Manhattan to rusty Harlem, we zig-zagged across the city exploring it on subway trains. Sven and his assistant Hardy picked the people prior to our shoot. We had some scenes staged and others were captured at the moment to show Sven's style unfolding in an authentic fashion.
It seems close-up shots aim right at the heart of Sven, with a little melancholy for an aftertaste, which perhaps can be attributed to the timing - sunset. What challenges did you face while setting up the story?
Finding the right moment to create melancholic beauty is the most challenging part. The cheesy sunsets were never planned, as Sven and I visually adore darker worlds, especially for this cinematic documentary. To add that edgy layer of heaviness and achieve visual contrast to the sunny world, I shot some additional footage of the city covered in clouds after a thunderstorm.
“Growing up in East Germany with an artistic mind, being inspired by the Western anti-establishment presents a fascinating life of high contrasts and a rich story worth being told.”
The cinematography is the background actor: what was it like working with Johnny Komar?
Johnny was the perfect fit for this film. I really like his calmness and dedication to creating beautiful imagery. We hadn't worked together before, but as he framed the first scene (Sven sitting on the fire escape), I looked at the monitor and knew he would bring my vision to life. His style combines artistry with cinematic quality and I love it!
How did framing his story reveal a hidden side of Sven; is there something you found out about his personality throughout the process?
Sven Marquardt's story and personality speak for themselves. Growing up in East Germany with an artistic mind, being inspired by the Western anti-establishment presents a fascinating life of high contrasts and a rich story worth being told. I never intentionally aimed to show something hidden, rather my intention was to reveal to the audience an honest look at Sven's life and what brought him to NYC. This film, and the journey we took together from the first phone call to the NYC/22 exhibition, certainly connected us.
What is it about filmmaking as a storytelling medium that has sparked your interest? You said it all began with your parent's camcorder; how did you start translating your vision into the system? How have your life experiences influenced your aesthetic style?
Watching moments captured on film creates such strong emotions in the audience and also for myself. The feelings and emotional reactions a strong story elicits are what drives me to create. When I moved to New York City, my aesthetic style got more cinematic and meaningful. Every time I step outside my house, I am inspired by the incredible diversity of human beings and the emotional moments I share with them. Transforming those memories into impactful images is such a meaningful experience for me.
With a rich portfolio of commercial and music videos, how do you catch the core of the brand, song, or persona, in the case of Rebellion NYC? Do you have a particular approach in filtering what has to be told and what is left out post-edit?
Before we even shoot the first take, I have already thoroughly explored my creative vision. Creating a film is always a journey, and I am lucky enough to take the talented artist I meet with me. But filmmaking is also a process; so much of the beauty happens when you look at the raw footage and get inspired by the unforeseen magic.
Post-production on this film was a creative collaboration where I encouraged artistic freedom. This trust-based approach allowed my editor Benno Unterforsthuber, composer Martin Velez, sound designer Samuel Jurkovic and colorist Marcus Adam to unleash their full potential. Their vision, melded with my own, makes Rebellion NYC unique!
Do you have any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for?
I just returned from a commercial shoot in Portugal and I am working on a short film about my great-grandfather, which will be shown at the German History Museum in Berlin very soon.
Production: JOJX
Director: Oliver Würffell
DP: Johny Komar
Starring: Sven Marquardt
Photo Assistant: Hardy Paetke
Editor: Benno Unterforsthuber
Colorist: Marcus Adam
Grading: Scanwerk
Score: Martin Velez
Sound: Mike Spencer
Sound Design: Samuel Jurkovič
Models: Ian Anaya, Joey Diliberto, Camille Poppe, Matteo Garzia, Cristiano Grim, Alessandro Brioschi