Paul-Julien Robert’s MY FATHERS, MY MOTHER AND ME, Gustav Deutsch’ SHIRLEY – VISIONS OF REALITY and the coproductions THE NOTEBOOK by János Szász and THE VENICE SYNDROME by Andreas Pichler on the screens of the 48th  Karlovy Vary Film Festival.

 

DOCUMENTARY FILMS IN COMPETITION

MY FATHERS, MY MOTHER & ME
directed by: Paul-Julien Robert
FreibeuterFilm (A)

In his highly personal search for his biological father, Austrian filmmaker Paul-Julien Robert reveals the true nature of life in one of Europe’s biggest communes, formerly located in the town of Friedrichshof, whose members espoused common property ownership, free love, and a markedly controversial method of raising children.

International sales: filmdelights

 

 

 

IMAGINA

SHIRLEY – VISIONS OF REALITY
directed by: Gustav Deutsch
Leading experimental filmmaker and artist Gustav Deutsch breathes life into thirteen canvases by American painter Edward Hopper, which then guide us through the life and thoughts of a young actress in America from the 1930s to the 1960s. Its mood distinctive and constant, this visually potent and inspiring film is full of surprises.

with: Stephanie Cumming, Christoph Bach

International sales: EastWest Filmdistribution

 

 

OFFICIAL SELECTION – COMPETITION

THE NOTEBOOK
directed by: János Szász
(Hunnia Filmstúdió (H), Intuit Pictures (D), Amour Fou Filmproduktion (A), Dolce Vita (F))

A fascinating and hard-hitting adaptation of the controversial first novel by Hungarian writer Agota Kristof about 13-year-old twins forced to spend the last years of the Second World War with their cruel grandmother somewhere near the Hungarian border. The term bewitching was never so apt as in the case of this new film by renowned filmmaker and theatre director János Szász.

with: András Gyémánt, László Gyémánt, Ulrich Thomsen, Ulrich Matthes

International sales: Beta Cinema

 

 

DOCUMENTARY FILMS OUT OF COMPETITION

THE VENICE SYNDROME
directed by Andreas Pichler
Filmtank Hamburg (D), Golden Girls Filmproduktion (A), Miramonte Film (I)

Shot with affection and understanding, the film looks at what remains of authentic Venetian life, investigating how the old-time residents are adapting to an invading force of tourism that is capable of obliterating almost everything of any real value. At the same time, the movie is a tribute to the brave hearts and joyous spirits of the last true Venetians.

 

International sales: Taskovski Films