Isabelle Huppert Vampire Film ‘The Blood Countess’ Was Cut Against Director’s Wishes, Ulrike Ottinger Tells Tokyo Event

Ulrike Ottinger said her vampire film “The Blood Countess”, starring Isabelle Huppert, was shortened by up to 20 minutes against her wishes. She said the cuts disrupted the film’s rhythm, so she reworked the shorter version to restore its balance.

Ottinger described it as her most expensive film, saying she was given 30 shooting days instead of the 40 she wanted, with a crew of more than 100. She said extensive safety requirements have helped push the cost of making films from her earlier €2.5 million–€3 million range to at least €7 million–€8 million, and that she no longer produces her own films. The article also reports criticism from Berlinale Forum head Barbara Wurm of Germany’s funding system, which since 2025 has tied support to admissions and festival results, potentially disadvantaging smaller films and documentaries.