| In Heaven | |
| Director: | Michael Bindlechner |
| Producer: | Michael Bindlechner |
| Starring: | Sylvie Testud Merab Ninidze |
| Cinematography: | Michael Kaufmann |
| Music: | Flora St. Loup |
| Editing: | Eliska Stibrova |
| Studio: | FRAMES filmproduction |
| Distributor: | Bavaria International |
| Runtime: | 102 minutes |
| Language: | German |
| Budget: | € 1,5 million |
In Heaven is a 1998 Austrian drama film directed by Michael Bindlechner. The film was entered into the 1999 International Film Festival Rotterdam.[1]
Csiwi (Xaver Hutter) is 14 and "borrows" his brother's car at night - thus not only driving around the suburban streets until dawn but also to find his way in life. When he meets Valeska (Sylvie Testud) – who seems to know her destination which she has identified on a postcard - and Levi (Merab Ninidze) – who is tired of fighting and searching and wants to arrive only. Together they live through a summer of friendship at which end Csiw is alone again but finally knows his way.
In Heaven is a coming of age story in which a rebellious young boy from the suburbs, Csiwi, encounters two people - Valeska and Levi - both in their desires and life goals pointing like signposts in a different direction. One summer, they experience the happiness of giving each other support and new hopes. But in the end each of them has to go his own way.Bindlechner: 'What makes it worth while to tell the story of Csiwi, Levi and Valeska is that apparent happiness on the surface can hide the underlying drama right to the end - as so often in real life".[2]
In Heaven received generally positive reviews[3] and was invited to more than twenty film festivals worldwide.
| Year | Festival | Result | Award | Recipient | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Max Ophüls Festival | Winner[4] | Best Young Actor | Xaver Hutter | |
| 1999 | Max Ophüls Festival | Nominated[5] | Best Film - Max Ophüls Award | Michael Bindlechner | |
| 1999 | Rotterdam International Film Festival | Nominated | Best Film - Tiger Award | Michael Bindlechner |