IFFI Goa 53, 2022, 2: Austrian film Alma and Oskar to open fest

Austrian film Alma and Oskar will be the Opening film at the 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI), to be held in Panaji, Goa, from November 20 to November 28. The passionate and tumultuous relationship between the Viennese society Grand Dame Alma Mahler (1879-1964) and Austrian artist Oskar Kokoschka (1886-1980) is the subject of this biopic. Directed by Dieter Berner, the film has a runtime of 110 minutes.

Oskar Kokoschka, an upcoming painter, finds Alma, a music composer, during a time when she had already begun a relationship with architect Walter Gropius, after the death of her first husband, Gustav Mahler. Not wanting to be with another man in who’s shadow she cannot realise her artistic potential, Alma initiates a fiery affair with Oskar Kokoschka. Such is the nature of their relationship that Kokoschka paints his most famous work based on it. The film explores their relationship which has been described as ‘stormy’ and ‘tumultuous’.

Bride of the Wind, by Oskar Kokoschka, based on his relationship with Alma Mahler

Director Dieter Berner is a renowned Austrian film and theatre director, actor and screenwriter. He became known nationwide in Austria as a director with the six films of the award-winning Alpensaga, a family and village chronicle that ran from 1976-1980. He received international acclaim for his film Berliner Reigen (2006) based on Schnitzler's theater-play, Der Reigen.

Alma and Oskar is scheduled for Sunday, 20th November, at INOX, Panaji, immediately after the opening ceremony.