A tale of espionage and dreams: Michael Krummenacher’s “The Traitor”

A young man’s journey through wartime Switzerland

Michael Krummenacher’s World War II drama, The Traitor (“Landesverräter”), delves into the gripping true story of Ernst Schrämli, a young Swiss man who becomes entangled in espionage. Premiering at the Zurich Film Festival, the film portrays Schrämli’s struggle against the oppressive militarization of neutral Switzerland during the war, and his ill-fated alliance with a German spy.

The making of a dreamer

Ernst Schrämli, played by newcomer Dimitri Krebs, is a talented singer from St. Gallen who dreams of fame in Berlin. His disdain for military service in Switzerland leads him to a dangerous path when he meets a charismatic Nazi spy, portrayed by Fabian Hinrichs. The spy offers Ernst not only the fatherly security he craves but also a tantalizing opportunity for quick money and a German visa. This relationship, however, spirals into a tragic tale of espionage and betrayal.

A story long in the making

Krummenacher’s fascination with Schrämli’s story began in 2006 during his film school days. Over the years, he deepened his research, gaining access to military court records and personal letters that revealed Schrämli’s sensitive soul. Co-writing the script with Silvia Wolkan, Krummenacher aimed to capture the essence of a young man whose dreams were crushed by the harsh realities of his time.

Casting the perfect lead

Finding the right actor to portray Schrämli was a challenge. Krummenacher, along with casting directors Nina Moser and Dana Grünenfelder, conducted numerous casting rounds. The breakthrough came when Björn Magnusson, the film’s composer, suggested Dimitri Krebs, a local musician with no prior acting experience. Despite initial doubts, Krebs’ unique aura and rapid improvement during rehearsals convinced Krummenacher that he was the perfect fit for the role.

Reflecting a forgotten history

The film sheds light on a little-known chapter of Swiss history. Schrämli’s actions and subsequent execution for espionage have been largely erased from public memory. Krummenacher’s film aims to resurrect this forgotten story, highlighting the complexities and moral ambiguities of Switzerland’s wartime stance. The film’s original German title, “Landesverräter,” underscores the duality of betrayal, both personal and national.

A challenging production

Financing the film was difficult due to its sensitive subject matter and the fact that many in Switzerland were unaware of these historical events. Despite Switzerland’s official neutrality, the film reveals uncomfortable truths, such as the significant arms exports to Axis powers. Schrämli’s conviction and execution for aiding the Germans add a layer of irony to the narrative, questioning the moral high ground often associated with Swiss neutrality.

A promising future for Krummenacher

Krummenacher’s dedication to this project reflects his broader ambitions in the film industry. He and his wife, producer Gwendolin Stolz, are launching an independent production company, Lanigiro Hot Club, to produce unique and genre-defying films. Krummenacher’s diverse interests are evident in his upcoming projects, which include a horror movie and a family entertainment feature.

His previous works, such as the mystery-thriller Like a Cast Shadow and the children’s film The Robber Hotzenplotz, showcase his versatility and commitment to storytelling.

Conclusion

“The Traitor” is more than just a historical drama; it’s a poignant exploration of a young man’s dreams and the harsh realities that thwarted them. Krummenacher’s meticulous research and dedication to authenticity bring Ernst Schrämli’s story to life, offering a fresh perspective on a forgotten piece of history.

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