Amazon Prime series Christiane F .: "They don't see their world as fucked up as it is"

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At some point Christiane asks: “Why does everyone have to go?”.

The first ones are already dead and their friend Benno has just run off with his buddy Michi.

And once again the vicious circle becomes clear: from despair, addiction and dependence.

Hustlers and suitors, children and parents, unhappy lovers, they all get caught in the downward spiral.

It has been four decades since "We Children from Zoo Station" became an international bestseller.

The film adaptation of the book in 1981 was also a great success.

The story of the drug addict Christiane F. and her clique, based on the research of two “Stern” reporters, shaped a whole generation back then.

As a series adaptation, it will now run in eight parts on Amazon Prime Video in Germany, Austria and Switzerland from February 19.

The heads behind the international co-production with Constantin Television are Annette Hess (head writer), Philipp Kadelbach (director) and Oliver Berben and Sophie von Uslar as producers.

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The youngsters are played by well-known young actors like Michelangelo Fortuzzi (Benno), but also by newcomers like the Austrian-Australian Jana McKinnon (Christiane).

The 21-year-old Bruno Alexander from Hamburg embodies the quiet loner Michi.

He was already seen in the series “Die Pfefferkörner” or in “Tatort” and “Notruf Hafenkante”.

When talking to WELT AM SONNTAG, he was enthusiastic about the filming that took place in Prague and Berlin in 2019 and 2020: "We actors were allowed to try out a lot." Over time, the film cast grew together like a circle of friends.

He knows this destructive feeling of loneliness, coupled with the longing for loss of control that drives young people.

“I myself always had my family and friends who grounded me.

With them I could be who I am, ”recalls Alexander.

“In a circle of friends in which everyone is on drugs and the only one not to take part, I imagine it will be difficult.

Nobody wants to be an outsider.

It's totally human to join the majority, to want to be part of a group. "

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He himself was faced with decisions such as: “Take part and break into the swimming pool, climb on roofs - or would you rather leave it?

You feel a certain stimulus, but at the same time you ask yourself: Is that me or am I just doing it to feel that I belong? ”Saying no is the most difficult thing in this situation.

But he never had contact with hard drugs.

Bruno Alexander grew up with two siblings in Eimsbüttel and graduated from high school in 2018.

He likes sports, took acting lessons at the New Talent Drama School in Horn and was quickly discovered.

The role in “We children from Bahnhof Zoo” grabbed him: Michi is a “cool guy” who has been in love with Benno since he was a child.

“Actually only Benno is important to him.

And Christiane stands in his way a bit. ”For Alexander, the story is primarily about“ the dreams and wishes, the goals and problems ”of the young people:“ Michi's greatest dream is freedom. ”

Christiane F. (Jana McKinnon) and Michi (Bruno Alexander) in a scene from the series

Source: picture alliance / Constantin Te

Alexander is not drawn to the Berlin location.

He lives with two friends in Hamburg-Ottensen, and likes to do so.

He is already looking forward to the summer with “pedal boating on the Alster, parties in the park or in the neighborhood.” With his roommates and two other friends, also all filmmakers, he started the series “Intimate” on YouTube three years ago.

Soon they will be filming the series professionally with a renowned production company.

“I have few close friends, but they have been for years.

That is important, I think: To have the feeling that you are not alone. "

Open words from an ex-junkie impressed him during the preparation

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In order to get an idea of ​​the drug scene before filming “Wir Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo”, Alexander spent time around Hamburg Central Station, a hotspot for junkies.

A meeting with an ex-junkie was organized to prepare for the shooting.

This made a deep impression on the young actor: “That was so blatant.

He told us what it's like to be on heroin, what a turkey feels like.

He answered all of our questions very openly. ”The fact that the topic still seemed to be sensitive for the man years after withdrawal showed him the destructive power and addictive potential of heroin.

The streaming series tells the drug trips, the crime of acquisitions, the aversion to adolescent life and the desperation - unlike the documentary-looking film at the time - fictional from the perspective of the adolescents.

"They don't see their world as fucked up as it is, they don't see the rats that are running around there, not the dirty basement," says Alexander.

“They see a beautiful, colorful, exciting world.” Still nothing is glossed over.

Heroin syringes are pressed into arms and legs in train station toilets, clients are served in cars.

The end of the story is known: Christiane F. survived, Michi too.

There is not much left of love and friendship.

Everyone goes their own way.