László Kovács, auteur filmmaker, is denied funding for his film project: too old, white and heart problems to boot! Conclusion: no longer employable. Didn't the Hungarian from Lake Balaton once want to aim high? What now? Continue to be on his successful wife's back? László slips into a real life crisis and initially finds solace in the fascinating attraction of a “great woman” from the neighboring village. But when a right-wing populist stands as the only candidate for mayor in the village of 120 souls, László comes to his senses. In order to “prevent the right-wing idiot”, he puts himself forward as a liberal opponent. What follows is a lively and often humorous battle that forces him to rethink his own convictions and his role in the community. As László battles the populist winds, the film explores the complex issues of ageism and political debate in an increasingly polarized society with a keen eye for humour and humanity. Directed by Ben von Grafenstein, who took on the project after Zoltan Paul's unexpected death, the film serves as a humorous yet thoughtful reflection on the life and legacy of Paul himself. This gives SURVIVING BRANDENBURG a particularly personal touch, as László Kovács is partly an alter ego of Zoltan Paul. The humorous portrayal of László's campaign, which is often characterized by his unconventional methods and the quirky dynamics of village life, makes the film an entertaining comedy. Despite the light tone, serious questions are raised about the importance of community and individual commitment at a time when right-wing populist movements are on the rise worldwide.
László reluctantly stands as a candidate for mayor to prevent his village in Brandenburg from sinking into the right-wing swamp.
László Kovács, auteur filmmaker, is denied funding for his film project: too old, white and heart problems to boot! Conclusion: no longer employable. Didn't the Hungarian from Lake Balaton once want to aim high? What now? Continue to be on his successful wife's back? László slips into a real life crisis and initially finds solace in the fascinating attraction of a “great woman” from the neighboring village.
But when a right-wing populist stands as the only candidate for mayor in the village of 120 souls, László comes to his senses. In order to “prevent the right-wing idiot”, he puts himself forward as a liberal opponent. What follows is a lively and often humorous battle that forces him to rethink his own convictions and his role in the community.
As László battles the populist winds, the film explores the complex issues of ageism and political debate in an increasingly polarized society with a keen eye for humour and humanity. Directed by Ben von Grafenstein, who took on the project after Zoltan Paul's unexpected death, the film serves as a humorous yet thoughtful reflection on the life and legacy of Paul himself. This gives SURVIVING BRANDENBURG a particularly personal touch, as László Kovács is partly an alter ego of Zoltan Paul.
The humorous portrayal of László's campaign, which is often characterized by his unconventional methods and the quirky dynamics of village life, makes the film an entertaining comedy. Despite the light tone, serious questions are raised about the importance of community and individual commitment at a time when right-wing populist movements are on the rise worldwide.