Synopsis

After being away for ten years, young writer Robert comes back home to the Romanian village he grew up in.  In his luggage he carries his masterpiece - a small volume of delicate poems and the only book he published so far - but also plenty of sorrows, doubts and fears. In addition to that he is facing the decision of a serious matter that could change his life once and for all. At home he is hiding from his severe father, to whom he is not able to speak freely since the death of his mother. Neither his best friend Petrica nor his old flame Paula he trusts in opening up and telling his secrets. Whereas the father completly blocks his son's new lifestyle and passion for poetry, the old companions show at least in the beginning interest and appreciation for Robert's return. But soon after alcohol and anecdotes of good old times bring out the fundamental unhappiness of how life went for all of them the mood becomes stale and atmosphere collapses. The first feature film of Andrei Cohn shows with sedate sounds and raw images the dimensions and challenges of taking decisions. The disturbing drama, which opened the European Filmfestival in Bucharest this year, reveals existencial fears and alienation in the close setting of family and homeland.

Guests

Andrei Cohn

Andrei Cohn
Director Back Home
In Vienna: October 8-12