
My thanks to the organisers for an invitation to discuss my novels on the festival’s opening day. Also, to the venue manager, Roselyne, for the preparation of my event.

In 1924, the German film director visited New York and the iconic skyscrapers became an influence for his film the following year. The design of Metropolis features high-rise buildings with Art Deco prominent. The film took two years to make and went well over budget. A principle reason being Lang demanded many scenes to be re-shot, much to actors and film crew’s annoyance. The film is featured in the forthcoming novel set in Berlin titled Upheaval. Claudine Dubois, the protagonist, has a role in the film which leads to controversy.