Can you tell us in a few words what your film BREATHING is about and what makes it unique?
Karl Markovics: As a day-release prisoner 18-year-old Roman Kogler gets a job at a funeral home. Of all things, it is this job, dealing with death, that shows him the path back to life. I cannot say what makes my movie unique. It’s a simple story about ordinary people. Looking death into the face makes them unique themselves.
How difficult was it to get your film financed and produced?
It was not that difficult. My producer Dieter Pochlatko liked the script and his wife liked it too, which was just as important. We got money from all major Austrian film funds. What was difficult was to deal with this sudden amount of trust. It was all public money and I felt responsible for it in a way.
After this first feature film experience: What do you most love / most hate about filmmaking?
Inventing a world and creating it on your own - this is what I love about filmmaking. This is what I always wanted to be: "Ein Welterfinder"
There is not a single point that I hate about. Ignorance, heartlessness and music in restaurants - that is what I hate.
How did you hear about the nomination for the Discovery Award and what was your initial reaction?
My Austrian release-agent called me. I thought: "Wow! Two Austrian movies in the discovery-section of EFA, that´s great! And I am one of them."
The other Austrian is my friend Markus Schleinzer with MICHAEL.
How important is the Discovery Award for you and what do you expect from the nomination?
It is very important in many ways. First it is important to encourage Austrian politicians to give more money for films, especially for new talents. Second it is important to get my movie released in other countries. And last but not least it´s important to me as a human being. I am happy and I love being happy.
BREATHING
BREATHING
