Global Screen has acquired Christian Alvart’s Bank Lady - the true story of Germany’s first female bank-robber

Global Screen has picked up worldwide distribution rights to Bank Lady, the true story of Germany’s first female bank-robber, who carried out 19 armed robberies in the 1960s.

Produced by Syrreal Entertainment, the feature is directed by Christian Alvart, whose 2005 film Antibodies about a fugitive serial killer sold widely.

Bank Lady tells the story of Gisela Werler, a factory worker from Hamburg, who becomes notorious throughout Germany as a female bank robber. Thanks to the various disguises, wigs and film star sunglasses she wears during her heists, the media portray her as a cunning and sexy bandit. Together with a passionate love affair, Gisela gets reckless, taking ever-greater risks, with police inspector Fisher close on her heels.

Bank Lady is a perfect blend of authentic cops-and-robbers drama and love story. Catch Me If You Can meets Bonnie and Clyde,” said Julia Weber, head of sales at Global Screen. “Christian Alvart’s direction is fast-paced and nuanced, while Gisela’s wonderful costumes and a superb ’60s production design bring in a strong stylish element.”

Bank Lady stars Nadeshda Brennicke, Charly Hübner, Ken Duken and Heinz Hoenig, and will be released in Germany by Studiocanal in spring 2014.