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Celebrated German director Wim Wenders has withdrawn from circulation his 1975 film Wrong Move, due to then-13-year-old actress Nastassja Kinski appearing topless in a scene.
The director said in a statement: “Streaming, television broadcasters and distribution partners will be instructed to cease public access to the film.”
The decision follows comments made by Kinski, now 65, who told Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper last month that she has spent 15 years unsuccessfully trying to get Wenders to change the film.
“That was my first film, he was my first director and he didn’t protect me,” Kinski told the paper. “Even though I didn’t know much aged 13, I knew that that was not ok.”
Wenders, 80, apologised to Kinski, saying: “As the only person responsible at the time for ‘Wrong Move’ who is still here, I recognise that Nastassja Kinski should have been better protected back then. For that, I apologise to you, Nastassja, unreservedly, no ifs and buts.”
The Wim Wenders Foundation, which owns Wrong Move, said it would seek a broader discussion with German film institutions about the film industry and the future of Wrong Move.
“Only after that process has taken place – even if it takes considerable time – and once we have been able to present a mutually agreed solution, which will include Nastassja Kinski, will we make the film available again,” it said.
In a statement to AFP, Christian Schertz, a lawyer for Kinski said that he “welcomed” the decision to block future access to Wrong Move, but that it was “long overdue”.
He added that he regrets “that it has only happened as a result of public pressure” and that “we have to wait to see what (Wender’s) offer to dialogue actually consists of.”
Wenders is best known for his award-winning films Wings of Desire, Paris, Texas, Buena Vista Social Club and Perfect Days.
Kinski, daughter of the late Fitzcarraldo actor Klaus Kinski, made her acting debut in Wrong Move. She also worked with Wenders in Paris, Texas.