‘Frieda’s Case’: How a 1904 Swiss Trial Echoes Modern Women’s Rights Battles

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The subject of German-Swiss director Maria Brendle’s debut film Frieda’s Case, a historic Swiss legal case, remains relevant not just as history but frequently in the present. The 1904 murder trial of young seamstress Frieda Keller occurred in St. Gallen, Switzerland, and while it may be less well-known, Brendle uses it to convey a more universal tale about women’s emancipation, empowerment, and rights.

She shares with THR that the narrative centers around women’s rights and is grounded in historical events from Switzerland. Despite being set in a different time and place, the struggles faced are strikingly familiar worldwide. This fight for equality, she emphasizes, is far from over.

Following its debut at the Zurich Film Festival in October, “Frieda’s Case” – a film co-written by Brendle, Michèle Minelli, and Robert Buchschwenter – has been selected to compete in the main program of the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, which takes place from April 18-26. Notably, Chinese actor-director Jiang Wen, known for his roles in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and “Let the Bullets Fly”, will lead the jury for the main competition at this festival.

In the gripping drama, “Frieda’s Case“, I found myself immersed as Keller, a woman standing accused of murdering her five-year-old son. This film, co-produced by Condor Films and Swiss Television SRF, unfolds the intricate tale of a high-stakes legal battle that lays bare the entrenched inequalities within our patriarchal society.

As Keller, I became the focal point of intense debates that forced male prosecutors to grapple with their personal and professional dilemmas, causing them to question their own moral compasses and beliefs about gender equality. The trial’s progression served as a catalyst for public protests and media attention, shedding light on the systemic bias against women in our legal system.

My fight for justice transformed into a powerful symbol of the larger movement advocating for gender equality. This struggle mirrored society’s hypocrisy and injustices, offering an unsettling glimpse into the societal norms that we often choose to ignore or overlook.

The crucial aspect: Keller was a victim of rape, yet under the Swiss legal system during that period, it was not possible to prosecute a man for rape if he was wedded.

Keller’s initial sentence was a death penalty, but it was eventually commuted to life imprisonment and then early release after serving 15 years. The case served as a catalyst for the women’s movement in Switzerland, pushing for law and justice to become more aligned. Eventually, approximately three decades later, the criminal code underwent an update that eliminated the special status of married men and abolished the death penalty among other changes.

Julia Buchmann takes on the role of Frieda Keller in a film that explores a local incident with far-reaching consequences. Stefan Merki and Rachel Braunschweig act as the prosecutor and his spouse, while Max Simonischek and Marlene Tanczik depict Keller’s defense attorney and his partner. The supporting cast includes Liliane Amuat, Susanne-Marie Wrage, Roger Bonjour, Peter Hottinger, Magdalena Neuhaus, Mirian Japp, Simon Roffler, Tina Perger, and Patrick Slanzi.

Prior to working on the film, Brendle was unacquainted with the Keller case. In her own words, “I hadn’t heard anything about this case before. However, I received a phone call from the production company saying we have a story that might suit you.

The filmmakers had watched her movie titled “Take and Run” (or “Ala kachuu”), for which she received an Oscar nomination in 2022. Much like “Frieda’s Case”, this short film explores how cultural customs can suppress women, with a focus on a young woman living in Kyrgyzstan who experiences the tragic event of bride kidnapping.

Brendle couldn’t hide his immediate enthusiasm at the prospect of working on “Frieda’s Case“. He exclaimed, “This is something I simply must do! It’s a significant chance for me as it’s a historical film and a true tale about women’s rights.

Initially, there existed a pre-existing script. She reminisces about it. “Subsequently, I joined forces with the other writers to revamp it,” she said, “because I believe that our world could use more well-developed female characters, especially in this particular story.” The creative individual emphasizes this point.

‘Was she truly just a wicked individual? Who is this woman, and what are her struggles and conflicts?’ Then, I discovered about the law at that time which stated that a husband’s rights were protected because a wife’s anger was already considered punishment. This sparked many thoughts in me: ‘There are so many aspects to explore and stories to tell concerning this matter.’

In order to convey the story of a woman imprisoned before her trial in a more dynamic and optimistic manner, Brendle opted for flashbacks depicting her happier times, such as scenes where Frieda temporarily leaves her cell to assist with food service. As she explains to THR, “I aimed to illustrate that this was a young woman with aspirations and joyful memories, as well as a promising future.” This narrative device allowed me to emphasize that Frieda’s life could have taken a different course if circumstances had been slightly altered, such as meeting a different person or receiving assistance from others. It is crucial to portray her not just as a murderer, but also as a victim.

In “Frieda’s Case,” there are moments that might stir such intense feelings within you – anger, frustration, even despair – towards the depicted society, and I, as a fan, can confirm that this is exactly what Brendle intended. She admits, “I strive to convey my emotions to the audience.” Upon learning about Frieda’s ordeal, I too felt an overwhelming sense of upset. The portrayal of women’s standing and treatment during that era resonated deeply with me as well.

At screenings where the director was present, audience responses were frequently very emotional. “During our cinema promotional tour with 22 stops,” Brendle reminisces, “the reactions from the audience were so powerful it left us speechless. People would share personal stories about their families, sometimes tears streaming down their faces, and this wasn’t just women, but men too.

The short film titled “Frieda’s Case” was exhibited at the Victoria Film Festival held in Canada. As Brendle recounts, he felt a bit anxious since it was a foreign land and one never knows how the audience might respond. However, the reactions were intense and heartfelt. Many viewers expressed their belief that this film should be screened in the U.S., given the significant regression they perceive in women’s rights there currently. Brendle found himself moved by these sentiments.

Currently, the filmmaker feels incredibly thrilled and privileged to showcase the movie “Frieda’s Case” at the Beijing Film Festival. She expresses her anticipation, stating, “This festival is quite significant, and I am eager to discover the Chinese audience’s response.

For Brendle, the future holds two captivating tales. She shares with THR, “I am currently working on another historical piece, this time set during World War II, focusing on a woman who bravely challenges the Nazi regime.” She finds the ‘based on a true story’ concept intriguing because it allows us to share and learn from real-life experiences. “I believe it’s crucial for society to understand past injustices and mistakes,” she adds.

The next collaborative endeavor between the writer and director has not been opened for dialogue as of now. However, she expresses optimism that it will materialize swiftly.

Supporters of Brendle eagerly anticipate the historical tales and profound lessons she’ll unveil next, regardless of their seemingly minor or local nature. Before returning to her writing, the filmmaker offers a few parting thoughts about a short scene in “Frieda’s Case” that carries a deeper meaning upon closer examination. In this scene, demonstrators are seen backing the main character.

On one of the protest signs, I wrote ‘Woman, Life, Freedom,’ a phrase that has sparked global support for women’s rights in Iran and beyond. However, Brendle notes with a grin, this project is not about events from a century past. Instead, it reflects the ongoing struggle for women’s rights today. Essentially, this is my individual statement as a filmmaker, reaching out to every woman globally.

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2025-04-15 10:25