German film takes on racism with laughter

0 Comments | AFP, October, 2007

TOKYO (AFP) — An encounter between German Neo-Nazis and a mixed-race boy with an Afro wouldn't usually seem to be a laughing matter, but it is in the new film "Leroy."

While Nazism has been a common topic for many serious dramas, German director Armin Voelckers has taken a different approach -- raising the issue through a romantic comedy.

The director said he was relieved to hear cheers and clapping from the audience as his debut film was screened as one of the works in competition at the Tokyo International Film Festival.

"I was scared," Voelckers admitted afterwards. "Humour doesn't always persuade, and in most cases it fails miserably."

Xenophobia and racism were not easy topics to have a good laugh about for Voelckers and his German crew, all of...