Die Olchis: Willkommen in Schmuddelfing (The Ogglies, Smelliville) 
Germany/Belgium
2021
Opening 22 Jul 2021
Directed by:
Toby Genkel, Jens Møller
Writing credits:
Toby Genkel, Jens Mølle, Erhard Dietl
Principal actors:
Sema'j Alexander Cunningham, Kya Stein, Ben Young, Lily Held, Tony Clark
Seven Olchis (or Ogglies in the English version) fly into the small village of Schmuddelfing (Smelliville) on their dragon, Feuerstuhl (Firebottom). They are Grandma, Grandpa, Mama, Papa, their baby, and the kids Messi and Mothy. They take up residence in the local rubbish dump, perfect, since their main source of nutrition is garbage, and “no place stinks like here.” The villagers are distressed. “Aliens only land in America,” so who are these people, so small and green with pudgy noses and three ears? Eleven-year-old Max, (the son of the town’s mayor) was already working with Lotta and her uncle, Professor Brausewein, building a machine to clear the stinky air of Schmuddelfing. This machine fails, but no loss, because, due to the influence of the Ogglies, the air has already improved drastically. Still, businessman Mr. Hammer has plans to clear out the dump and build a wellness temple. He is supported by Max’s mother, who has taken over the responsibilities of mayor for her absentee husband. She wants Max out of the way and pushes him to stay at home, do homework, and practice the cello. Super intelligent Max has other plans and meets up with Lotta, Messi and Mothy to prevent this destruction.
This film is much fun for the whole family of all ages. It is based on a series of children’s books by Erhard Dietl (and a colleague I met at the film with her kids, said that she enjoyed the film more than the books). Since the author is German and the film is made by Germany and Belgium, I was surprised that it was filmed in English and then also showed in German. Here, we have an example that films for children are definitely up to date, as everyone has a mobile phone. The title song “Ein neuer Freund” is by rapper Das Bo. The Filmförderung Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein contributed financially. (Becky Tan)
