Rose (2026 film)
Rose is a 2026 drama film directed by Markus Schleinzer, co-written by Alexander Brom and Schleinzer. Set in the 17th century, it follows mysterious soldier Rose (Sandra Hüller), a woman disguised as a man, who appears in a secluded Protestant village. She declares herself the heir of a long-abandoned farmstead and produces a document to support her claim to the suspicious villagers.
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Rose (2026 film)
Rose is a 2026 drama film directed by Markus Schleinzer, co-written by Alexander Brom and Schleinzer. Set in the 17th century, it follows mysterious soldier Rose (Sandra Hüller), a woman disguised as a man, who appears in a secluded Protestant village. She declares herself the heir of a long-abandoned farmstead and produces a document to support her claim to the suspicious villagers.
The film had its world premiere at the main competition of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival on 15 February 2026, where it won the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance for Hüller. It will be theatrically released in Austria on 17 April by Filmladen Filmverleih, and in Germany on 30 April by Piffl Medien.
Synopsis
Rose (2026 film)
Set shortly after the Thirty Years' War, the film centres on Rose, a soldier who arrives in a remote Protestant village claiming to be the missing heir to a neglected estate. Although Rose presents documents to support the claim, the villagers respond with caution and suspicion. Seeking stability and a place to belong, Rose attempts to integrate into the wary community. Yet Rose's identity is built on deception: the name is assumed, and the soldier's true gender is hidden. As Rose pursues acceptance, the plan extends to considering an arranged marriage with Suzanna, the daughter of a leading local farmer, revealing the lengths Rose is willing to go to secure a future.
Cast
Rose (2026 film)
• Sandra Hüller as Rose • Caro Braun as Suzanna • Marisa Growaldt as Erzählerin (voice) • Godehard Giese as large-scale farmer • Robert Gwisdek as bailiff • Augustino Renken as old servant • Maria-Victoria Dragus as large-scale farmer • Sven-Eric Bechtolf as judge • Rainer Egger as doctor • Maurice Leonhard as young servant
Cast and crew at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival
Production
Rose (2026 film)
The film is an international co-production between Austria, and Germany. Principal photography began on 7 May 2024 on locations in the Glasebach Valley in the Harz district of Saxony-Anhalt. Filming ended on 13 December 2024 in the locations at Austria – Lower Austria, Germany – Saxony-Anhalt.
The lead character of Rose played by Sandra Hüller, is inspired by numerous documented accounts of women disguised as men throughout European history.
In February 2025, it was reported that the film produced by Schubert, ROW Pictures and Walker + Worm Film was in the advanced post-production stage.
Release
Rose (2026 film)
Rose had its world premiere on 15 February 2026, as part of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, in Competition. It is set to compete for the Firebird Award at the 50th Hong Kong International Film Festival in April 2026.
The film is scheduled for release in the German theatres on 30 April 2026 by Piffl Medien, and in the Austrian cinemas on 17 April by Filmladen Filmverleih.
The Match Factory acquired the sales rights of the film in 2023. In March 2026, its parent Mubi acquired distribution rights to the film in North and Latin America, the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Italy and Turkey.
Accolades
Rose (2026 film)
Sandra Hüller with Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance at Berlinale
<table><thead><tr><th>Award</th><th>Date of ceremony</th><th>Category</th><th>Recipient</th><th>Result</th><th>Ref.</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Berlin International Film Festival</td><td>20 February 2026</td><td>Teddy Award</td><td>Markus Schleinzer</td><td>Nominated</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>22 February 2026</td><td>Golden Bear</td><td>Rose</td><td>Nominated</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance</td><td>Sandra Hüller</td><td>Won</td></tr><tr><td>Hong Kong International Film Festival</td><td>11 April 2026</td><td>Firebird Award (World)</td><td>Rose</td><td>Pending</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>