“Joe der Film II” is currently being shot on location in Val Sarentino. Thomas Hochkofler’s new comedy is a film made by South Tyroleans for South Tyrol, featuring the main character in three different roles, numerous well-known actors, and a significantly larger production effort than the successful first chapter.
Following the great success of “Joe der Film” five years ago, the South Tyrolean film team is back with a sequel. A total of five weeks of production are planned. Filming initially took place at NOI Techpark in Bolzano; the team is currently working in Val Sarentino, where the Stueferhof is being transformed into the “Motschuner Hof” for the shooting.
“We were surprised by the success of the first ‘Joe der Film’ ourselves.”
“We were surprised by the success of the first ‘Joe der Film’ ourselves,” says producer Markus Frings. Around 65,000 people watched the film during its tour through South Tyrol and in cinemas. A further 80,000 viewers saw it when it was broadcast on RAI Südtirol. “We have great respect for this success and hope that we can delight audiences again this time,” Frings adds.
A screwball comedy featuring Iceman Ötzi
“Joe der Film II” is produced by Movie.mento in co-production with Albolina Film. The story was developed by leading actor Thomas Hochkofler, also known as Joe, together with co-writer Robert Ausserer. In the new film, Hochkofler takes on a total of three roles
Not too much has yet been revealed about the plot. Some key elements, however, are already known: Iceman Ötzi and his era play an important role, while the story can be described asa turbulent screwball comedy. A total of 65 roles are planned, in addition to numerous extras and, of course, a large crew made up of film professionals and many hard-working people behind the camera. “At times, more than 100 people are working on set,” reports assistant director Katharina Kammerer.
“Joe is once again right in the middle of everything – and this time things will be even crazier.”
“Joe is once again right in the middle of everything – and this time things will be even crazier,” says Thomas Hochkofler. He has developed a story that draws on familiar South Tyrolean themes while also aiming to entertain audiences. “We want to hold up a mirror to the people of South Tyrol in a humorous and auto-ironic way.”
Alongside Hochkofler, the film features numerous well-known actors from South Tyrol or with close ties to the region. The cast includes Anna Unterberger, Lukas Lobis, Georg Kaser, Peter Schorn, Karin Verdorfer, Robert Palfrader and many others.
The Stueferhof becomes the “Motschuner Hof”
A visit to the set in Val Sarentino makes it clear how extensively a location can be transformed through set dressing and production design. For the film, the Stueferhof becomes the “Motschuner Hof”. Production design is being handled by Sara Pergher from Vipiteno, who was responsible for the set decoration on the multiple award-winning film “Vermiglio”.
With Pergher, the production has secured an established expert who is making a significant contribution to the film’s visual impact. Her involvement also illustrates the increasing professionalisation of the film industry in South Tyrol. “Sara Pergher demonstrates the level of expertise and quality that now come from South Tyrol,” emphasises Markus Frings. “For a film like ‘Joe der Film II’, it is important that its world works not only in terms of content, but also visually.”
Bigger budget, higher expectations
The production has been financed with support from IDM Film & Music Commission Südtirol, the Province’s Office for Film and Media, as well as private supporters and sponsors.
“This time, the film costs two and a half times as the first chapter– so naturally, expectations are higher too,” says Frings. At the same time, the central aim remains unchanged: “We want to make a film by South Tyroleans for South Tyrol, with an ensemble in which the region can recognise itself.”
With “Joe der Film II”, South Tyrol’s film scene is therefore not only continuing a successful story, but also highlighting regional cooperation, professional production conditions and a subject rooted in the local community and its audience.
Key contributors
- Director, writer and lead actor: Thomas Hochkofler
- Producer: Markus Frings
- Co-producer: Wilfried Gufler
- Director of Photography: Harald Erschbaumer
- Location manager and co-writer: Robert Ausserer
- Production design: Sara Pergher
- Music: Marco Facchin
- Editor: Stefan Ghedina
- Costume design: Rita Kröss
- Make-up: Gudrun Pichler
- Lighting: Jonathan Rinn
- Sound: Lorenzo Misia
- Key grip: Beniamino Casagrande
- Assistant director: Katharina Kammerer
- Production manager: Norbert Vieider
- Set production manager: Petra Tschenett
- VFX Producer: Alexander Feichter