Ulrike Folkerts: Tatort” icon in the fight for women in film!

Ulrike Folkerts: Tatort” icon in the fight for women in film!

Ulrike Folkerts, known as the most popular and longest-serving “Tatort” detective Lena Odenthal, speaks in a current interview about her career and the challenges in the acting industry. The actress, who significantly revolutionized the image of women in German TV crime dramas, describes the Blue Lagoon, an quarry lake, as the most beautiful place in Ludwigshafen, where she comes from. She worked on her role for many years and got to know numerous colleagues along the way. Folkerts says it's a stroke of luck for her to only be known as Lena Odenthal, because the role gave her a lot. Rhine Palatinate reports.

In the interview, Folkerts also addresses the limitations that women experience in the portrayal of female commissioners. She particularly mentions the ban on alcohol and the fact that the protagonists are often not allowed to be in love. She also influenced the decision to have a woman come to Lena Odenthal's side. These developments show that the quota for women in directing has been demanded for years and that progress can be seen. Despite her experience, Folkerts has no interest in directing herself as she doesn't want to give up her passion for acting.

Challenges and digital technology

The actress notes that the number of days of filming has recently dropped from 32 to 23, while the pressure and demands on actors remain consistently high. Digital technology allows recordings to be checked immediately, which increases stress in everyday work. Folkerts emphasizes that Lena Odenthal is not portrayed as old, but as an experienced woman who leads a team. Despite her success, she rarely receives requests for sporting roles, as her portrayal of a boxing trainer in a “Soko Stuttgart” film shows.

Folkerts has even written a script for a tragicomedy that focuses on women over 60. In addition to her work on television, she has also appeared in a Rosamunde Pilcher film and is open to a wide variety of roles. She is currently involved in the jury of the Federal Young Film Festival in St. Ingbert and has appeared in various short films.

Social responsibility

The actress is not only active on screen, but also advocates for social issues. She supports the organization SOS Humanity with readings to draw attention to the refugee problem. This responsibility for socially relevant issues is also reflected in her interest in films such as “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri”. Folkerts also took part in a block seminar at a university, where she spoke to students about her experiences in the film industry and appreciated the atmosphere and the commitment of Professor Sung-Hyung Cho.

Ulrike Folkerts reflects openly on her experiences as a prominent, lesbian, childless and aging woman and encourages other women to break out of traditional roles and go their own way. This message of empowerment and self-realization is perceived as inspiration by many. The actress remains an important voice in the discussion about gender equality in entertainment.