Klaus Maria Brandauer and Sebastian Koch Thriller at Newport Beach Film Festival

May 1, 2012 - PRLog -- The Swiss award-winning political thriller "Manipulation" is an official selection of the 2012 Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF). This riveting film starring Klaus Maria Brandauer and Sebastian Koch will screen at the Islands Cinema 3 on Tuesday, May 1 at 8:30 pm.

MANIPULATION is a feature political thriller with relevance in today's political climate. Like "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" and before it, "Smiley's People" is is a fictional thriller that comes very close to the truth. It is based on the novel, "The Interrogation of Harry Wind" by Walter Diggelmann and recreates post-WW II Switzerland in the 1950's. It deals with a covert scandal by Swiss public officials involving nuclear weapons technology; hence, its relevance today. The film features two European stars from Oscar-winning films like "Out of Africa" and "Lives of Others" in some of their strongest work in film. It is supported by a long list of sponsors but, more importantly, by the Swiss government itself. http://youtu.be/V_KFOVftAkU



Zurich, 1956: During the Cold War a compromising photograph exposes a Swiss star reporter as a Soviet spy. Unable to withstand the pressure, he commits suicide in the interrogation room.

Special agent Rappold (Klaus Maria Brandauer -- Out of Africa, Never Say Never Again, Mephisto) from the counter-espionage department is plagued by doubt: Were the photographs really genuine? And why did the influential PR advisor, Dr. Harry Wind (Sebastian Koch -- The Lives of Others, Black Book), even have the photographs made? In a merciless cat and mouse game with Dr. Wind as a manipulative storyteller, Rappold realizes that he himself is part of a conspiracy.

"Manipulation" will screen at the Islands Cinema 3, 8:30 PM Tue, May 01

This Swiss feature film has been extremely well received by critics in Switzerland inspiring comments from the Swiss press like, "the best Swiss film in a decade," and "the Swiss 'Lives of Others." Renata Stachura Poray, a Producer, and Co-producer of "Manipulation", says, "This is a passionate film relevant to every person today. In a time when governments appear to act contrary to the will of their people, these great actors inspire us to consider our own inaction."

"Manipulation" will also screen at the Cannes Film Festival in the Marche Du FIlm on May 16th.

Individual tickets for the screening can be purchased online at the Newport Beach Film Festival.  (http://www.newportbeachfilmfest.com/2012/)