YEAR: 2024 GENRE: Tourism
Amidst the chaos of modern life, the protagonist embarks on a journey through five destinations, each offering a unique experience and perspective that helps him reconnect with himself and rediscover the inner peace he’s been longing for.
(Since „VENT“ is still in festival consideration and can’t be shown publicly, please send me a private message if you want to see the full version.)
CAST Felix Höfer
DIRECTOR Christian Deusel
INTERVIEW
Cannes Indie Shorts Awards
Christian, the film addresses the chaos of modern life. What aspects of modern life did you aim to critique or highlight as contributing to the protagonist’s disconnection from himself?
I wanted to emphasize the overwhelming pace and fragmentation of modern life—how constant digital distractions, societal expectations, and the pressure to perform leave little room for introspection. The protagonist’s disconnection is a reflection of a world in which a genuine human connection is often overshadowed by superficial interactions and in which people are so consumed by external demands that they lose sight of their own identity. The film critiques the way modern life prioritizes efficiency and productivity over emotional and spiritual well-being.
Were there any specific cultural, philosophical, or spiritual influences that shaped the design and decision for these destinations?
Yes, the movie draws from a variety of cultural and philosophical perspectives, spiritual traditions and especially existentialism, with its focus on self-exploration and the search for meaning. The destinations become metaphors for the protagonist’s inner conflicts.
What do you hope the audience takes away from the protagonist’s journey? Do you want viewers to reflect on their own lives and consider how they might reconnect with themselves or rediscover peace in their own experiences?
I hope the film invites viewers to pause and reflect on their own lives. The protagonist’s journey is deeply personal, but the themes of separation and self-discovery are universal. If the movie can inspire even a moment of introspection – encouraging someone to seek stillness or reconnect with their inner voice – then it will have accomplished its purpose.
PREMIERE
10.11.2024 – CANNES, Indie Shorts Awards, FR