Two souls in a limbo between this world and the beyond await their moment to move on. The calmly majestic beauty of their surroundings prepares them for eternity. A narrative audiovisual poem of great warmth and soothing gentleness, with a curiously trip-like feeling.
An ancient tale said: In the first days after death you must enter a house where no words remain. Awaited by a soul and guided to a whole, you wander into the light only to be left behind. Thus the house is never empty and the waiting never ends.
This we can read at the beginning of First Days – this is our guide through the stream of images to come. And you don’t need more than this framework, set of rules for the spaces we shall encounter and cross, the lush woodlands, the clearing, the river, and indeed the house where the souls eat and wait for whatever the afterworld holds in store for them.
First Days feels timeless, not only because of its conceptual, narrative basis but also its form which evokes a whole pictorial history of speculations, hopes and despondency concerning the beyond – where do we go? A work of uncommon beauty and grace, First Days exudes something soothing and inviting – a trip during which we can find eternity in our here and now.
– Olaf Möller
Trailer
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Film details
- Country of production
- Switzerland
- Year
- 2026
- Festival edition
- IFFR 2026
- Length
- 70'
- Medium/Format
- DCP
Shows of "First Days"
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LantarenVenster 3In-personwith Q&A
-
Cinerama 5
This screening consists of the following films:
- I Used to Call That Man Home
- First Days
In-personwith Q&AEnglish subtitled -
KINO 4
This screening consists of the following films:
- I Used to Call That Man Home
- First Days
In-personEnglish subtitled