Oliver Masucci Aims to Direct Film Adaptation of His Own Memoir

Actor Oliver Masucci is poised to embark on his directorial debut, expressing a strong desire to adapt his autobiographical book, Träumertänzer, into a film. Masucci, known for his roles in various German films and series, shared his aspirations during a recent interview while engaged in the filming of the sports drama Adams Acht.

Masucci's memoir recounts the poignant journey of his parents and the complexities of his Italian-German heritage. He aims to portray the narrative of a boy who, underestimated by those around him, finds solace and inspiration in the world of cinema to carve out his own reality.

To bring this deeply personal story to life, Masucci envisions writing the screenplay during a break on a sailing boat, as he believes the demands of filming often leave little room for such creative endeavors. He emphasizes the need for focused time away from the intensive shooting schedule, which can involve long hours in front of the camera.

The narrative of Träumertänzer unfolds against the backdrop of Stuttgart and a small village in the Campania region of Italy. It explores the experiences of Masucci's father, an Italian immigrant who came to Germany as a guest worker, as well as the historical context of his German grandfather, who was held in Italian captivity during the war.

Masucci has recently completed the filming of Adams Acht, which features a cast including Felix Kammerer, Svenja Jung, and Leonard Kunz. This film focuses on the triumph of the German rowing team at the 1960 Olympics. The production took place over six weeks, covering locations in Northern Germany, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, with twelve days dedicated to shooting on water. The film is slated for release in cinemas in September 2026.