German filmmaker Wim Wenders has announced that he will remove his 1975 film Wrong Move from all distribution channels following a request from actress Nastassja Kinski, who was cast in a topless scene at the age of thirteen.
In a statement published on Instagram, Wenders explained that the film would be withdrawn from “all current forms of distribution and exhibition,” meaning that streaming services, television broadcasters and distribution partners will be instructed to cease public access to the film. He added: “I apologise unreservedly for not protecting you, Nastassja, and for the pain that was caused.”
Kinski had previously told a German newspaper that she had been asking Wenders to change the film for years, saying “That was my first film, he was my first director and he didn’t protect me.” She added that she had experienced similar exploitation in 1976’s To the Devil a Daughter and 1978’s Stay As You Are.
Wenders, who won best director for Wrong Move at the German Film Awards, used his acceptance speech to request help from younger filmmakers to resolve the issue. He said he would “seek a broad dialogue” with film institutions and that only after reaching a mutually agreed solution, involving Kinski, would the film be made available again.
Kinski’s lawyer told AFP that the decision was “long overdue” and welcomed the move, but added that she was regretful it only happened as a result of public pressure.
The film is being pulled from all platforms, which includes streaming services, television, and distribution partners, until a new agreement is reached.
The incident highlights broader concerns about how the cinema of the 20th century can be re‑examined in a more inclusive and responsible manner, according to Wenders.
