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watchAUT Austrian Film Festival 2023 Preview by Helen M Jerome: This year marks my first time at the Austrian Film Festival – aka watchAUT – but judging by what’s lined up, it doesn’t sound like it’ll be my last. Screened at Ciné Lumière in London from 23rd to 26th March, it’s a chance to see the strength in depth of the Austrian film industry and its creatives.
I’ve already had a sneak preview of a couple of the films, and heartily recommend both. The festival opener, The Fox aka Der Fuchs, dramatises the true story of director Adrian Goiginger’s own great-grandfather, Franz Streitberger, who befriends a fox cub he finds in the forest, then takes it with him – usually under his jacket – as he acts as motorcycle courier during World War II. See it in person and get a bonus Q&A with Goiginger and his star, Simon Morzé.
Director David Wagner’s award winning feature Eismayer is again based on a true story, and is reminiscent of recent US movie, The Inspection. It focuses on hard-as-nails, but closeted Austrian army leader – Charles Eismayer – who falls in love with one of his soldiers despite himself and despite his existing world and family seeming to crumble around him. Terrific performance by Gerhard Liebmann in the title role, with Luka Dimic also excellent as the charming young recruit, Falek. This screening will also have its director, Wagner, in attendance.
What are the other highlights in store? I’m looking forward to Tizza Covi’s feature, Vera, set in Rome and starring Asia Argento, and Nikolaus Geyrhalter’s urgent environmental documentary Matter out of Place, about waste management across the globe.
Plus there’s a rare screening of Fritz Lang’s 1929 silent movie, Frau im Mond (top picture), which many judge as the first bona fide sci-fi picture – performed with live piano accompaniment. A classic that makes a neat comparison with Leni Lauritsch’s contemporary space thriller Rubikon, which stars George Blagden of Vikings and Versailles fame, and looks a treat.
Check out the details:
23-26 March 2023, Ciné Lumière, London SW7 2DW
Check out the Website