Paris – Acclaimed filmmaker Paweł Pawlikowski is returning to the world stage with “FATHERLAND,” a new post-war drama starring Sandra Hüller, Hanns Zischler, and August Diehl. The project is expected to generate attention during this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

Set during the height of the Cold War, “FATHERLAND” centers on the complex relationship between Nobel Prize-winning author Thomas Mann and his daughter Erika Mann, actress, writer, and former rally driver. The story follows the pair as they embark on an emotionally charged road trip across a devastated post-war Germany in a black Buick, traveling from American-controlled Frankfurt to Soviet-controlled Weimar.

The film marks Thomas Mann’s first return to Germany since fleeing the country during the rise of Nazism and relocating to the United States. Against the backdrop of a divided Europe still grappling with the aftermath of World War II, “FATHERLAND” explores themes of identity, guilt, family, and reconciliation.

The project sees Pawlikowski revisiting the morally and emotionally layered territory that defined his acclaimed films “IDA” and “COLD WAR.” Pawlikowski co-wrote the screenplay with Henk Handloegten.

“FATHERLAND” is produced by Mario Gianani, Lorenzo Mieli, Ewa Puszczyńska, Jeanne Tremsal, Edward Berger, Dimitri Rassam, and Lorenzo Gangarossa. Executive producers include Efe Cakarel, Michael Weber, Viola Fügen, Andrea Scarso, Timo Argillander, Ognjen Dizdarevic, Ilaria Zazzaro, Luke Rivett, Matthieu Prada, Julien Delajoux, and Matthias Nicodeme.

With its combination of historical gravitas, political relevance, and powerhouse performances, “FATHERLAND” is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated auteur-driven titles in Cannes this year.