Christine Doris Schmidt
Screenwriter
Hoelderlin's family tree ->

In 2024, our family history about my ancestors in general and our famous cousin, the German poet Friedrich Hoelderlin in particular, will be available in German as a hard copy and ebook (ISBN).

The South Africa based mystical drama Silent Hunting or the apocalyptic short script When the Snow was deep are two
of my original stories in English.
The Australian actors Wayne Bassett and Aaron Scully filmed three scenes of Silent Hunting. This audition clip can be sent on demand to producers.
Usually, I write my original screenplays
in German but sometimes in English if necessary. Of course, I also accept writing assignments.

Printed text wants to go to screen...
There is a universe full of story characters already printed on paper who long to become living pictures and be given a voice.
I accept to write scripts which are based on a novel or other kind of book.

What does a screenplay look like?
I will check character development, dramatic structure and formatting according to the Hollywood standards.

Having traveled many countries and places, I occasionally write cultural and historical documentary and travel reports.

* In 2009, my cousin Volker Faas started to build our family tree. Thanks to his passion to document important facts and figures of our ancestors, I learned that we were related to Theodor Heuss and the Swabian poet Friedrich Hoelderlin.
Helping Volker to scan old photos, write down recipes and little anecdotes, I began to realize that there were amazing coincidences in our lives.
Sometimes I guess we are not aware that decisions we make may be influenced by our roots.
To me, it is especially a blessing to be related to Hoelderlin and his mother Johanna Christiana Gok since we are so similar in character and thinking.
Hoelderlin inspires me, and this is why
I write.
* In 2017, our Wild Apple tree is in full bloom (see the photo). It bears an indigenous type of wild fruit which is rare. This is why we try to preserve it. Our family tree keeps growing and thriving just like the apple blossoms. Now our family tree has almost 13,000 members.
* In 2019, Volker found ancestors in France: Prince Henrik of Denmark who wrote poems like Hoelderlin.

In honor of my cousin Friedrich Hoelderlin, I am currently working on a documentary about our family and ancestors answering the question what it is that makes him so extraordinary.
We were both born on the beautiful Neckar riverside. In his poem Der Neckar, Hoelderlin speaks of "bluish silver wave".
Yes indeed, it is our river which lets our creativity and happiness flow.

1.
On the occasion of Hoelderlin's 250th anniversary, I spoke about my ancestor in the German TV show "Ich trage einen grossen Namen" (I bear a great name).
2.
In 2020, on March 20, my cousin Johann Christian Friedrich Hoelderlin turned 250. On www.christinedschmidt.eu, you can read in German about the life and work of our dear family member and common ancestors as well as anecdotes, memories and cooking recipes. You will also find some photos and our common family tree.
3.
In celebration of my hometown's 1250th anniversary in 2017, I contributed a small chapter of my family history which is archived for future generations.
My ancestor who was born in 1680 (I am the great-granddaughter, 7th generation) was one of the mayors and court members of this town.
4.
Back in 2008 at screenwriting school,
a German film student asked me to collaborate on his Spanish short film titled TrEnamorado. It is the result of a great German/Spanish collaboration. The short film was shot in Cologne and Madrid.
5.
Other film projects on Crew United:
In 2008, I wrote the screenplay of a comedy about a ridiculous attempt of bank robbery with the title Abgeschossen (Dumped, Shot and Lost) and worked as Script/Continuity on the mood trailer Spider's Kiss (Gothic thriller).