Jesus Egon Christus

On a farm in Germany, an evangelical priest provides food and shelter to addicts and those with psychological problems. Newcomer Egon is the odd one out with his child-like innocence and his repetitive compulsions. During group activities, he is often lost in his own world. This isolation makes him blissfully ignorant of the priest’s endless put-downs as the latter proves ill-equipped for his self-chosen calling. However, his sermons about Jesus have a profound effect on Egon.

Influences recognisable in the methods and aesthetics of their “fictiondocu” include Dogme 95, early Werner Herzog and Harmony Korine’s Gummo, which the Vajda brothers have all named as inspirations. Many of the actors – who play improvised versions of themselves – were cast after lengthy research at drug clinics in Berlin. The exceptions are musician Paul Arámbula, who plays Egon, and actor Zora Schemm, in the supporting role of Pinky.