Wim Wenders Withdraws 1975 Film Over Actress Nastassja Kinski’s Teen Topless Scene

Wim Wenders Withdraws Access to 1975 Film Following Actress’s Appeal

Oscar-nominated German director Wim Wenders has announced he will block future access to his 1975 film Wrong Move after repeated appeals from actress Nastassja Kinski. Kinski was filmed topless at the age of 13 during the production of the film.

Last month, Kinski spoke to a German newspaper, revealing she had been requesting Wenders to alter the film for years.

"That was my first film, he was my first director and he didn't protect me,"

she said.

On Wednesday, Wenders acknowledged the concerns raised by Kinski, stating that the actress

"should have been better protected back then"

and offered an unreserved apology:

"For that, I apologise to you, Nastassja, unreservedly, no ifs and buts."

In response, Kinski’s lawyer told the AFP news agency that the director’s decision was

"long overdue"

.

Wenders published a statement on Instagram confirming the film would be withdrawn from

"all current forms of distribution and exhibition,"

which includes

"streaming services, television broadcasters and distribution partners will be instructed to cease public access to the film."

He further reflected on the recent public discourse surrounding the film, saying:

"The many reactions, comments, and conversations of recent days have played a significant role in further sharpening my understanding of the events of that time.

For that, I am grateful. Only an open and respectful exchange can lead us to reconsider positions and reassess responsibilities.

It is necessary for our society to find appropriate ways of dealing with controversial film works from the 20th Century and to face new learning processes and inclusive perspectives regarding cinema."

Wenders also expressed his intention to engage in a

"broad dialogue"

with film institutions and relevant groups. He stated that the film would only be made available again after reaching

"a mutually agreed solution, which will include Nastassja Kinski."

Kinski’s lawyer welcomed the director’s decision but expressed regret that it occurred only due to public pressure:

"I also regret that it has only happened as result of public pressure."

Background on Wrong Move and Nastassja Kinski’s Early Career

Wrong Move, for which Wenders received the best director award at the German Film Awards, was Kinski’s debut film. The film includes a sexualised scene featuring Kinski, who was 13 at the time, alongside a male co-star in his early 30s.

On Friday, during the German Film Awards ceremony where Wenders was honoured with a lifetime achievement award, he addressed the controversy in his acceptance speech. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Wenders admitted he was

"struggling"

with the decision of whether to permanently remove the scene from the film and sought advice from younger filmmakers present in the audience to help resolve the issue.

Following Wrong Move, Kinski appeared naked in the 1976 film To the Devil a Daughter and the 1978 film Stay As You Are.

Reflecting on her early roles in a 1997 interview, Kinski said:

"If I had had some­body to pro­tect me or if I had felt more secure about myself, I would not have accep­ted cer­tain things. Nud­ity things. And inside it was just tear­ing me apart."

Kinski later achieved international recognition in films including Wenders’ 1984 cult classic Paris, Texas and also appeared in his 1993 film Faraway, So Close.