Das Licht in den Birkenwäldern

Ungarn Lettland Frankreich Deutschland 2019-2021 Spielfilm

Summary

Natural Light

1943, World War II. A long winter is about to begin in the endless territories of the occupied Soviet Union. István Semetka is part of a special Hungarian unit tasked with travelling from village to village looking for partisan groups. While heading towards a remote village one day, the company falls under enemy fire and their commander is killed. As the highest ranking officer, Semetka must take over. Wading through a vast swamp, he guides the survivors back to an occupied village where they reconvene with their division.

Dénes Nagy’s powerful feature debut "Natural Light" is not just a war movie. Drenched in livid, humid light that makes faces look like they were painted in mud, it tells of a descent into the unknown by men who face constant moral dilemmas. What should one do to survive? To what extent should they put themselves first? How guilty are you if you witness horrible events you didn't cause? As all their convictions about right and wrong are weakened, the men must decide whether to adapt or do the right thing.

Source: 71. Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin (Catalogue)

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Credits

All Credits

Duration:
103 min
Format:
DCP
Video/Audio:
Farbe, Ton
Screening:

Voraufführung (DE): 01.03.2021 - 05.03.2021, IFF Berlin - Industry Event - Wettbewerb, VoD;
Uraufführung (LT): 18.03.2021, Vilnius, IFF;
Erstaufführung (DE): 14.06.2021, Berlin, IFF Summer Special - Wettbewerb, Freiluftkino Museumsinsel

Titles

  • Originaltitel (DE) Das Licht in den Birkenwäldern
  • Originaltitel (LV FR DE) Natural Light
  • Originaltitel (HU) Természetes fény

Versions

Original

Duration:
103 min
Format:
DCP
Video/Audio:
Farbe, Ton
Screening:

Voraufführung (DE): 01.03.2021 - 05.03.2021, IFF Berlin - Industry Event - Wettbewerb, VoD;
Uraufführung (LT): 18.03.2021, Vilnius, IFF;
Erstaufführung (DE): 14.06.2021, Berlin, IFF Summer Special - Wettbewerb, Freiluftkino Museumsinsel

Awards

European Film Awards 2021
  • European Film Award, Bestes Szenenbild
IFF Berlin 2021
  • Silberner Bär, Beste Regie
Internationales Fajr-Filmfestival 2021
  • Kristall-Simorgh, Bester internationaler Film