New Perspective on Human Interaction in Sebastian Brameshuber's Film 'London'
The Austrian filmmaker Sebastian Brameshuber presents a new perspective on human interaction in his latest film, 'London', which had its world premiere in the Panorama program of the Berlin International Film Festival. The work, described as a hybrid that challenges the boundaries between documentary and fiction, follows the trajectory of Bobby Sommer, playing himself as a driver who constantly travels on the highway connecting Vienna to Salzburg. The narrative unfolds through organic conversations with various passengers, who use the carpooling service to save on fuel, such as a young man dealing with the country's mandatory military service, a queer woman about to get married, a supermarket intern, and an academic researching the history of the highway.
The casting process focused on young people capable of engaging in deep dialogues while maintaining an air of mystery. The A1, better known as the Westautobahn, setting of the film, was designed by the Nazis and carries a dense and complicated history, which is of particular interest to Brameshuber, whose previous projects often explore historically charged locations. The title 'London', chosen after a long period of consideration and originally 'In Current Traffic', is intended to evoke poetically the spirit of freedom and the mental geography of the final destination Bobby sought in his youth. The work is a multifaceted portrait of contemporary Europe, unveiled through the intimate screen provided by the dynamics of shared travel that break down the barriers between strangers.
The film promises to give the audience a deeper insight into Bobby's life, his experiences in youth, his relationship with aging, and his friend in a coma who motivates his constant travels. 'London' is a testament to the unique quality of conversations and atmospheres forged during long shared car rides. The project is distributed by Square Eyes and presents a singular view of life's small encounters that shape human relations, bringing a profound and reflective journey on coexistence and shared history to the screens.