The opening film,”How to Be Normal and the Oddness of the Other World,” directed by Florian Pochlatko,is a drama that follows Pia,who has recently been released from a psychiatric hospital. Living with her parents, she struggles to rebuild her life while juggling various jobs, heartbreak, her medication, and social interactions. The film explores her journey as she navigates these challenges and the peculiarities of the world around her.
Diagonal ’25: Austrian Film Festival to Kick Off with Florian Pochlatko’s Debut
Table of Contents
The 28th edition of the Diagonal Austrian Film Festival is set to commence from March 27 to April 1, 2025, in the vibrant city of Graz. This year’s festival promises to be a stunning showcase of Austrian cinema,with a particular highlight being the opening film,”How to Be Normal and the Oddness of the Other World” by Florian Pochlatko.
Florian Pochlatko’s debut film has been making waves in the industry, and for good reason. The movie tells the story of Luisa-Celine Gaffron, who, after a stint in psychiatry, moves back in with her parents. Struggling to balance a new job, lovesickness, psychotropic drugs, and social stigmatization, Luisa-Celine’s life becomes increasingly chaotic. The film explores themes of mental health, societal pressures, and the blurred lines between heroism and monstrosity.
Dominik Kamalzadeh and Claudia Slanar, key figures in the festival’s selection process, praised the film’s “stunning and sustainable imbalance.” They noted that “How to Be Normal and the Oddness of the Other world” is the film of the hour, making it the perfect choice to open the festival.
The Diagonal Film Festival has long been a staple in the Austrian film scene, providing a platform for both established and emerging filmmakers. This year’s festival is expected to attract a diverse audience, eager to experience the best of Austrian cinema.
Table: Key Details of Diagonal ’25
| Aspect | Details |
|———————-|————————————————————————-|
| Festival Name | Diagonal ’25 |
| Dates | March 27 to April 1,2025 |
| Location | Graz,Austria |
| Opening Film | “How to Be Normal and the Oddness of the Other World” by Florian Pochlatko |
| Directors’ Quote | “Sometimes there are debut films whose unbalanced is simply stunning and which are sustainable.” – Dominik Kamalzadeh and Claudia Slanar |
The festival’s organizers have been working tirelessly to ensure that this year’s event is a resounding success. With a rich program of films, discussions, and networking opportunities, Diagonal ’25 is poised to be an unforgettable experience for all attendees.For those interested in attending, be sure to visit the official Diagonal Film Festival website for more information and to secure your tickets. This is an event you won’t want to miss!
Franco Schedl,film.at, fs
12.02.2025,8:13
“How To Be normal And The Oddness Of The Other World”: An interview With Florian pochlatko
The 28th edition of the Diagonal Austrian Film Festival is set to commence from March 27 to April 1, 2025, in the vibrant city of Graz. This yearS festival promises to be a stunning showcase of austrian cinema, with a particular highlight being the opening film, “How To Be Normal and The Oddness Of The Other World” by Florian Pochlatko. We had the opportunity to interview Florian Pochlatko, the director of this captivating debut, in anticipation of its premiere. Here’s what he had to say:
Introduction
Florian Pochlatko’s debut film has been making waves in the industry, and for good reason. The movie tells the story of Luisa-Celine Gaffron, who, after a stint in, moves back in with her parents. Struggling to balance a new job, lovesickness, psychotropic drugs, and social stigmatization, Luisa-Celine’s life becomes increasingly chaotic. The film explores themes of mental health, societal pressures, and the blurred lines between heroism and monstrosity.
synopsis and Inspiration
Senior editor, World-Today-News.com (SE): Florian, could you give us a brief synopsis of your debut film, “How to be Normal And The Oddness Of The Other World”?
Florian Pochlatko (FP): Absolutely. ”How To Be Normal And The Oddness Of The Other World” follows Luisa-celine Gaffron, who has recently been released from a psychiatric hospital. Living with her parents, she struggles to rebuild her life while juggling various jobs, heartbreak, her medication, and social interactions. The film essentially captures her journey as she navigates these challenges and the peculiarities of the world around her.
Exploring Mental Health
SE: Mental health is a central theme in the film. What inspired you to choose this subject matter for your debut?
FP: Mental health is a topic that is often misunderstood and stigmatized in society. I wanted to shed light on the lived experiences of individuals who struggle with mental health issues and give voice to their challenges. Representing this issue in a raw and authentic manner was crucial to me. My hope is that the film will foster empathy and understanding for readers with mental health issues.
Cinematic Technique
SE: Your film employs an intriguing cinematic technique to convey Luisa-Celine’s experiences. Could you tell us more about the choices you made in terms of cinematography?
FP: I decided to use a combination of conventional and experimental film techniques to capture the essence of Luisa-Celine’s internal turmoil. Non-linear storytelling and abrupt transitions help to disorient the audience, mirroring her unstable mental state. It was important for me to create a visual language that was both challenging and immersive, to draw the audience into the protagonist’s world.
The Importance of Debut Films
SE: you were praised by festival directors Dominik Kamalzadeh and Claudia Slanar for your “unbalanced yet lasting” debut.What does this feedback mean to you as a?
FP: It means a grate deal to me that established figures in the industry recognize the effort and vision I poured into this film. Their feedback validates my approach to filmmaking, especially as a debutant. It encourages me to continue exploring unique and thought-provoking themes in my future projects.
Message for Audiences
SE: What message do you hope the audience takes away from watching your film?
FP: I hope the audience walks away with a deeper understanding and empathy for those dealing with mental health challenges. Life is complex, and everyone has their own struggles. My message is to be more accepting and compassionate towards each other’s journeys.
Conclusion
SE: Thank you, Florian, for sharing these insights into your debut film, “How To Be Normal And the oddness Of The Other World.” It promises to be a compelling piece that will resonate deeply with the audiences at the Diagonal Austrian Film Festival.
FP: Thank you for having me. I am excited for the festival and for more people to experience the film.
For those interested in attending the Diagonal Film Festival, visit the official Diagonal Film Festival website for more information and to secure your tickets.This is an event you won’t want to miss!
