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Writer's pictureMan and Witch Film

Onward.



Almost forty years ago I had the incredible experience of playing The Childlike Empress in Wolfgang Petersen's now classic film The NeverEnding Story. I never could have imagined at the time that the film would have had such an impact on so many lives, or that its popularity and relevance would only increase through the decades. This post isn't the place to explore the many reasons why I chose to step away from Hollywood after that film. I'll share though, that walking away was a great decision.


Of course, it wasn't a decision without some sacrifice.


I love acting. I have always loved acting. Leaving Hollywood of the 80's was never about me not wanting to be an actor. Sometimes when you walk away from something, you are walking away from something that you love. And that's ok. It is also ok to come back to the thing you love, when the time is right.


When I decided to embark on producing and acting in Man & Witch, it was very important to me to do that on my own terms and for the right reasons. The reasons are actually pretty simple. The first reason is that I love acting in films. Hollywood shouldn't get to decide whether I do that or not. And the second reason is you. When I realized that many fans of the NeverEnding Story around the world after all this time were still excited about the idea of me doing another film, it seemed to me that the best way to honor the journey that we've been on together for so long would be to make a film that celebrated the genre, and the many joys of 80s fantasy.


Man & Witch is a much smaller production than the NeverEnding Story, and it has nothing like the massive marketing machine of Constantin and Warner Bros. behind it. The script and the edit didn't go through thirty rounds of executive notes, and Stephen Spielberg didn't help Michael Hines, the director, do an "American" cut of the film, as was true for Wolfgang's production. None of that matters. You're going to love it, anyway. I had fun making it, even though it's been an almost impossible amount of work. And you are going to have fun watching it.


Now that Hollywood has gotten its act together - enough at least to end the strikes - let's get back to what doing what we dream, shall we? My team and I have a lot of news to share soon. Things are about to get very busy in 'The Contented Kingdom.' Thanks so much for being here with me on this new adventure. - Tami Stronach.

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6 Comments


keith
Mar 27

Hi, Tami, You had me at " I'm returning to the big screen after 40 years ". Add to that - Christopher Lloyd and Sean Astin, two great actors from two of my all-time favorite films, AND you got to spend quality time with your own family while making this.... This is going to be a big winner for ALL of us ! Can't wait !

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Angelom546
Dec 14, 2023

In this time when Hollywood is recycling and cannibalizing beloved classic films it's refreshing to see something original that has real passion put into it. I'm overjoyed that you're not only back to acting but creating something original in the 80s fantasy genre that is the gold standard of fantasy!


Welcome back Tami! We missed you!

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davidj_sd
Dec 09, 2023

Tami and team,


Congratulations on creating when I'm hoping to be a wonderful artistic production!


And this applies to all artists, actors, musicians etc. If the reviews are positive, that's fantastic, if not consider the critics as being your average everyday knuckleheads.


Best wishes on success of your movie!


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daddymay
Dec 09, 2023

Simply WONDERFUL!!

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Gordon Giles
Gordon Giles
Nov 10, 2023

Hi Tami


Glad to hear Man and Witch is coming to cinemas soon looking forward to watching it. I am the development worker at Knightswood Community Centre, The venue in Glasgow you used as a base and created a film set.

We now run a community cinema at the Centre every Monday for people on low income and pensioners. Everything is free. If you ever need a venue for pre-release test screening of Man and Witch in Scotland please let me know.


Kind Regards,


Gordon Giles

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