Afire
FEATURE
Tues 12 March 7:30pm aedt
Christian Petzold
Cast: Thomas Schubert, Paula Beer, Langston Uibel
Germany | 2023 | 102 min
In German with English subtitles
Rated M
.jpeg)
Friends Leon (Thomas Schubert) and Felix (Langston Uibel) head to an idyllic seaside home for the summer. They look forward to relaxation, but also must focus on their creative projects. Leon will finish the manuscript of his anticipated second novel, while Felix has to complete a photography portfolio.
​
After the friends encounter the attractive Nadja (Paula Beer), emotions are ignited, and feelings of lust, jealousy, and competition start to emerge.
The days are hot and it hasn’t rained for weeks. Before long, a forest fire arrives…
​
Gorgeously staged and directed by Christian Petzold (Barbara, Phoenix, Undine), this tragicomic story of friendship, artistic pursuit and the complexity of human interaction was awarded with a Grand Jury Prize at the 2023 Berlin Film Festival.
“In Petzold’s masterly hands, gravity and comedy work in easy and thrilling harmony.” - Sight & Sound
​
“Afire is the uncompromising work of a master not only on conceptual and stylistic levels but also in terms of his emotional politics.” – The Playlist
​
“Another compelling and precise layer of texture to Petzold’s multifaceted oeuvre.” – Little White Lies
AWARDS
Grand Jury Prize
Berlin Film Festival 2023
Critics’ Award - Best International Film
São Paulo International Film Festival 2023