In the gritty heart of Berlin, a resourceful but booze-soaked homeless man must confront the demons of his past while fighting for survival. He delves into the existential mysteries of life under the railway bridge, in a raw and soul-searching journey where humor and darkness collide.
DIRECTOR STATEMENT
Writing "Lost in the City" was a voluntary experience of demonic possession. Alex (the lead actor) and I created a character that had many negative traits that I don’t personally find attractive in a human being. My challenge as a writer (and director) was to let Eric Telton overtake me, pretty much like a method actor surrenders their own identity to the character they’re playing. I imagined Eric, I learned everything I could about him, and then I started to communicate with him... and ended up loving him - just because at the end of the day he, like every single one of us, is just trying to improve his life and feel connected to people. He knows that the system is rotten and that all life is imbued with dignity. However, his humanity is covered in dirt, rags, and a shady past. When Eric sees something, he either wants to eat it, fuck it or fight it. He is always in survival mode, and his ruthless wits are what makes him strong on the mean streets of Berlin. However, there is so much we don’t know about him. Of course, the burning question here is: how did he end up like this? Homelessness is not a condition - homelessness is a story, and Eric’s story unfolds between humour and darkness over the course of the film.
HAS FLAVORS OF JARMUSCH, CARAX, AND WENDERS. GRITTY AND STYLISH AND WITH A VOICE AT THE HEART OF THE STORY THAT PROVOKES US TO CONSIDER THE PARADOXES OF MODERN LIFE; THE EPISODIC STRUCTURE OF LOST IN THE CITY LOVINGLY EVOKES FILMS FROM THE TRADITIONS OF EUROPEAN CINEMA THAT EXPLORE THE COSMOPOLITAN UNDERBELLY, SERVING IT UP WITH EXPLORATIONS OF LARGER EXISTENTIAL QUESTIONS. THE CHARISMATIC LEAD AND HUMBLE NARRATOR PLAYED BY ALEX VAN RIC BECKONS US TO GO ON A JOURNEY THROUGH BERLIN'S STREETS, DURING THE NADIR OF HIS LIFE, TO ACCOMPANY HIM ON A ROAD TO REDEMPTION... ALBEIT A DARK ONE. WITH ECHOES OF TAXI DRIVER AND AMERICAN PSYCHO, WRITER/DIRECTOR CELENZA SERVES UP A THOUGHT PROVOKING YARN WITH IMAGES THAT WILL STAY WITH YOU FOR A LONG TIME. WORTH A WATCH.
Amazon Review by Dr.Strangeballz
Falcong
Documentary
LOGLINE
A day in the life of Giovanni Granati, an Italian falconer and wild animal trainer who lives in the unspoiled countryside of Abruzzo, alongside his hawks, eagles, wolves and other incredible creatures.
DIRECTOR STATEMENT
I have always been inspired by people who have chosen to live life by their own set of rules, rather than passively accepting those that society has dictated to us since birth. Instead of trying to fit into the social box, these people have the unique ability to shape their own reality around the things that ignite their spark. Giovanni Granati is one of these people: falconer, wild animal trainer, pianist, TV personality and published author. His many talents express uncommon passion, courage and drive. “Falcong” is a glimpse into the art of falconry, which dates back thousands of years, but also a refreshing, inspiring perspective on the art of life. The viewing experience leads us deep into the beautiful, unspoiled wilderness of Abruzzo, the Italian region with the greatest presence of wild fauna and flora—a land where the wolves, falcons and eagles trained by Giovanni dwell among breathtaking ruined castles and majestic medieval fortresses.
