Orchestra Conductor Nina (42) interrupts the rehearsals of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony with the Berlin Philharmonics to devote herself to her son Lars (12). The island they retreat to is cut off by a winter storm; intended to be a safe haven it becomes a site of conflict. Mother and son struggle to find and to repair what is broken in their relationship, and to start to speak to one another again.
“Unlike Mahler, I do not wish to completely give up the human voice; but neither do I rely on dialogue as the main instrument of storytelling. Beyond dialogue, I aim to create a vast space for the semantics of the audio-visual film language; the drama of epic landscapes; the emotional intensity achieved by precise use of sound and music; and, most importantly, the use of psychological choreography in acting”, the director says in a statement.
The film is produced by Michel Balagué through Berlin-based Volte in coproduction with Slovenia’s Staragara. The budget is 2,454,000 EUR.
The project has already received writing support from BKM (Bundesregierung für Medien und Kultur) and support for EAVE participation from Medienboard Berlin Brandenburg.
“We aim to shoot in winter 2020/2021 and to premiere in the summer of 2021”, producer Michel Balagué told FNE.
The producers are looking for coproducers, financing and festivals.
Production Information:
Producer:
Volte (Germany)
Coproducer:
Staragara (Slovenia)
Credits:
Director: Hanna Slak
Scriptwriter: Hanna Slak