Aire: Just Breathe
In the near future, a scientist races against time to change humanity’s fate.
91'
Dominican Republic
IFFR 2024
Environmental scientist Elias meets the love of his life, aspiring singer Anita (the Danish pop star Oh Land). But what kind of love is there to be enjoyed when a huge fissure in the ocean floor caused by a deep-sea earthquake suggests the end of days? Elias, having been obsessed with this strange phenomenon for years, chooses to pursue his career over his relationship with Anita. Descending into the depths of the ocean on a special submarine mission to close the mysterious gap, he looks back on his relationship and wonders how different his life could have been.
With this sci-fi variation of the ‘what-if?’ scenario, writer-director Ulaa Salim, who last appeared at the festival with Sons of Denmark (IFFR 2019), returns to the concept behind his similarly titled 2012 short. Extending it to feature length has given him space to set up the relationship between Elias and Anita. In particular, their first encounter – a bruising one for Elias – gives their relationship a refreshingly honest and frank appeal. It is precisely through the centrality of this deeply moving and carefully nuanced relationship that Eternal finds its strength, whilst the epically constructed claustrophobic deep sea dives ensure the film never loses sight of its sci-fi roots.
– Vanja Kaludjercic
IFFR 2024
Programme IFFR 2024
A diverse competition bridging the gap between popular, classic and art house cinema. An expert audience jury picks the winner.
Read more about this programmeIn the near future, a scientist races against time to change humanity’s fate.
91'
Dominican Republic
IFFR 2024
A nation’s chilling desire for war and the toll it took on its children.
65'
Finland
IFFR 2024
Revered teacher Pietro has an affair with one of his students in this exquisite thriller.
136'
Italy
IFFR 2024