John Magaro and Leonie Benesch are two members of the ensemble cast of Tim Fehlbaum’s September 5. The cast also includes Peter Sarsgaard, Ben Chaplin, and Benjamin Walker amongst others, with everyone giving amazing performances as they retell one of history’s most infamous events.
September 5 unveils the decisive moment that forever changed media coverage and continues to impact live news today. Set during the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics, the film follows an American Sports broadcasting team that quickly adapted from sports reporting to live coverage of the Israeli athletes taken hostage. Through this lens, September 5 provides a fresh perspective on the live broadcast seen globally by an estimated one billion people at the time.
At the heart of the story is Geoff (John Magaro), a young and ambitious producer striving to prove himself to his boss, the legendary TV executive, Roone Arledge (Peter Sarsgaard). Together with German interpreter, Marianne (Leonie Benesch), and his mentor, Marvin Bader (Ben Chaplin), the story focuses on the intricate details of the high-tech broadcast capabilities of the time, juxtaposed against the many lives at stake and the moral decisions that needed to be made against an impossible ticking clock.
In September 5, John Magaro takes on the role of the real-life producer, Geoffrey Mason, who was also heavily involved in the film’s creation. In contrast, Leonie Benesch’s character of German interpreter, Marianne, is a composite of several people involved on the day. Both characters are incredibly engaging and form the centre of this fascinating ensemble. With September 5 arriving in UK cinemas from 6th February, THN was able to speak to both John Magaro and Leonie Benesch about their time on the film. The pair explained their approach to their characters and the joy of working with such a committed cast of actors.
September 5 is released in UK cinemas from 6th February 2025.
