Lena Dunham, the renowned creator of the hit TV series “Girls,” is making waves at the Berlin Film Festival with her latest film, “Treasure.” The film, directed by Julia von Heinz and based on Lily Brett’s novel “Too Many Men,” explores themes of heritage and confronting the tragic past. Dunham not only stars in the film but also signed on her production company, Good Thing Going, to be a part of the project.
For Dunham, the story of “Treasure” holds personal significance. After the recent passing of her grandmother at the age of 96, Dunham found herself reflecting on her own heritage. She describes the film as “incredibly resonant” for both her and her producing partner, Michael P. Cohen, who are both Jewish. They saw it as a project they would be proud to show their future children and grandparents.
Dunham’s grandmother had attended the premiere of the first season of “Girls,” but Dunham admits that she didn’t think her grandmother loved it. However, with “Treasure,” Dunham feels a special connection to her family members who are still alive and has found it emotional to share the film with them.
In “Treasure,” Dunham portrays Ruth, a journalist who travels to Poland with her Holocaust survivor father, played by Stephen Fry, to confront their family’s tragic past. Dunham and Fry developed a strong bond while working together on the film. Despite having limited time for preparation, their shared experiences as two Jewish individuals visiting significant locations in Poland created a deep connection between them.
Dunham had previously visited Poland during her college years but admits that it was more of a journey for fun rather than a search for identity. However, during the filming of “Treasure,” she discovered that her family actually hailed from Poland, not Hungary as she had believed. This realization added a new layer of resonance to her experience in the country. She describes visiting Auschwitz as a powerful and eye-opening experience, realizing that it is not just a relic of history but a place surrounded by people living their lives.
Given the current conflict in the Middle East, “Treasure” is a timely film that Dunham hopes will encourage viewers to reflect deeply on the Holocaust and ensure that such atrocities never happen again. She believes that storytelling has the power to foster empathy and challenge distorted perceptions about Jewish people. Additionally, she hopes the film promotes a strong opposition to racism, xenophobia, and hatred in all forms.
During the interview, Dunham also discussed her upcoming Netflix series, “Too Much,” which follows a woman who moves to London after a breakup. She describes it as a show for those who have experienced a similar geographic change in their lives. Dunham aims to create a series that is both loving and joyful while still being sharp and incisive, with an underlying message of love and hope.
Reflecting on the enduring popularity of “Girls,” Dunham expresses her surprise and gratitude. She acknowledges that the show has gained a new wave of viewers, even though it premiered before the era of Instagram. Dunham appreciates the love and support she continues to receive from fans.
The interview concludes with Dunham recalling Allison Williams’ memorable performances on “Girls,” particularly her rendition of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.” Dunham admits that Williams initially found these performances embarrassing but acknowledges their lasting impact and expresses her gratitude to Williams for her contributions.
Overall, Lena Dunham’s involvement in “Treasure” at the Berlin Film Festival showcases her dedication to meaningful storytelling and her desire to explore personal and historical themes. With her upcoming Netflix series and the continued popularity of “Girls,” Dunham’s influence in the entertainment industry remains strong.