Only the chosen few know this woman who started working as a secretary for the German Film and Television Academy (DFFB) on 13 February, 1966. The path of Helen’s career is paved with famous names – including that of Wolfgang Petersen, Holger Meins (who later became a member of the Red Army Faction) as well as directors Wolfgang Becker, Detlev Buck and Christian Petzold. All have fond memories of forgetting their troubles after having poured their hearts out over a cup of coffee in Helene’s office – for Helene was both friend and advisor to countless film students.

Rosa von Praunheim wurde 1968 bei der dffb abgelehnt. Helene Schwarz, die Sekretärin, blieb ihm in Erinnerung, weil sie sich warmherzig und liebevoll dem jungen Fremden gegenüber verhielt, der im Büro seine Papiere abholte