More than two decades after his touching short film IT WORKS, director Fridolin Schönwiese picks up the threads of his story again, at a time when his once childlike protagonists have grown into self-confident adults. IT WORKS II opens a window into the worlds of Gerald, Valentin and Michael, three people with disabilities who, as young men, are now forging their own paths through life. Gerald, a lively and expressive artist and entertainer, has created a platform on YouTube where he regularly gives insights into his everyday life, shares jokes and gives free rein to his talents in rap. His videos are a testament to his creativity and his drive to get his voice out into the world. The nature-loving Valentin, deeply rooted in the rural idyll of the Wachau, lives a life in harmony with nature. He tends bees, harvests apples and supplies a small school with snacks. His days are filled with the simple pleasures of country life, and his work gives him autonomy and satisfaction. Athlete and adventurer Michael has not only embarked on a career with the Austrian Federal Railways, but has also developed a passion for sport. He competes in race running competitions for the Paralympics and is constantly testing the limits of his body. His travels take him through Germany and Denmark and even into the high mountains, always in search of new challenges. IT WORKS II is characterized by its in-depth, personal and respectful approach. Schönwiese concentrates on documenting the everyday lives of his protagonists without directly interviewing them or artificially staging them. The film emphasizes the individuality and inner worlds of the men, made possible by camerawork that is intimate yet never intrusive.
Documentary, Independent
1h 43min
16+
DE
PT
IT
EN
SV
ES
DE
IT WORKS II shows the lives of three people with disabilities - grown up and self-determined, 20 years after the first film.
More than two decades after his touching short film IT WORKS, director Fridolin Schönwiese picks up the threads of his story again, at a time when his once childlike protagonists have grown into self-confident adults. IT WORKS II opens a window into the worlds of Gerald, Valentin and Michael, three people with disabilities who, as young men, are now forging their own paths through life.
Gerald, a lively and expressive artist and entertainer, has created a platform on YouTube where he regularly gives insights into his everyday life, shares jokes and gives free rein to his talents in rap. His videos are a testament to his creativity and his drive to get his voice out into the world.
The nature-loving Valentin, deeply rooted in the rural idyll of the Wachau, lives a life in harmony with nature. He tends bees, harvests apples and supplies a small school with snacks. His days are filled with the simple pleasures of country life, and his work gives him autonomy and satisfaction.
Athlete and adventurer Michael has not only embarked on a career with the Austrian Federal Railways, but has also developed a passion for sport. He competes in race running competitions for the Paralympics and is constantly testing the limits of his body. His travels take him through Germany and Denmark and even into the high mountains, always in search of new challenges.
IT WORKS II is characterized by its in-depth, personal and respectful approach. Schönwiese concentrates on documenting the everyday lives of his protagonists without directly interviewing them or artificially staging them. The film emphasizes the individuality and inner worlds of the men, made possible by camerawork that is intimate yet never intrusive.