Hirschfeld – The Unknown Known

Hirschfeld – The Unknown Known (2026)



Hirschfeld – Unbekannter Bekannter

0.0 2026 89 min Switzerland

Director: Stina Werenfels

Cast: Ruth Hirschfeld

Zurich’s Schauspielhaus theater owes its legendary status to icons like Bertolt Brecht and Therese Giese, who transformed it into a stronghold of cultural defiance under Nazi rule. In the postwar years, the worldwide acclaim of Max Frisch and Friedrich Dürrenmatt cemented that legacy. Yet the mastermind behind this triumph has slipped into obscurity: Kurt Hirschfeld.

More About This Film

Hirschfeld – The Unknown Known is a documentary directed by Stina Werenfels that explores the biography of Kurt Hirschfeld, an engaged figure of the 20th century. Born into a religious family of German Jews, Hirschfeld began engaging with literature at a young age and established himself as a prominent dramaturg in Germany in the early 1930s. As both a communist and a Jew, he was forced to flee the Nazi regime, marking a pivotal shift in his life and career.

The film presents Hirschfeld's story as an exemplary narrative of a person deeply committed to their ideals amidst historical turmoil. It traces his journey from his early artistic endeavors in Germany through his exile, highlighting the challenges and transformations he faced during one of history's most turbulent periods.

  • Directed by Swiss filmmaker Stina Werenfels, known for her work in animation and documentary.
  • The original German title of the film is Hirschfeld - Unbekannter Bekannter.
  • The production is based on the biography of Kurt Hirschfeld, focusing on his life as a dramatist and political refugee.
  • The film was scheduled for release in 2025, with its status noted as pending or undetermined in some sources.

Where to Watch

This title has not yet been released widely, so streaming availability is currently unavailable.