Austria, Slovakia 2025Language:German, SlovakSubtitles:GermanDirector:Alexandra MakarováWriter:Alexandra MakarováWith:Rebeka Poláková, Simon Schwarz, Noël Czuczor, Carmen Diego, Hilde DalikProducer:Arash T. Riahi, Sabine Gruber110 min, Colour

Perla, who fled from Czechoslovakia to Vienna in 1981, has built a new life with her daughter Julia and is in a new relationship. When Julia’s father pretends to be seriously ill, Perla’s new beginning begins to falter – she feels compelled to return to her old home. Her past catches up with her and she makes a momentous decision. Impressive and challenging, the film illustrates the extent of the courage and strength with which Perla fights for her independence – against all the clichés of typical female and maternal roles – and how she refuses to give up her struggle against a political system and patriarchal structures. An impressive film that addresses the courage required to assert oneself.

Director's Biography:Alexandra Makarová, born in 1985 in Košice (formerly ČSSR), migrated to Vienna in 1991. She studied screenwriting and directing at film college. PERLA is her second feature film. It contains autobiographical elements that were inspired by her grandmother.

Director's Filmography:

2018 CRUSH MY HEART
2013 SOLA (SHORT)
2011 AN EINEM ANDEREN TAG (SHORT)


Director's photo: © Ingo Pertramer