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Film und Medien Stiftung NRWNewsNewsFilmstiftung-backed “A Piece Of Sky” ("Drii Winter") by Michael Koch is Swiss Oscar entry

Filmstiftung-backed “A Piece Of Sky” ("Drii Winter") by Michael Koch is Swiss Oscar entry

The drama "A Piece Of Sky”  by writer-director Michael Koch is a production of the Swiss company hugofilm features in co-production with Cologne-based Pandora Film Produktion and with the participation of Arte and the Swiss broadcaster SRF/ SRG SSR. The feature film with Michèle Brand and Simon Wislercentres on the budding love between Anna and Marco, which is put to a severe test when Marco continually loses control over his impulses. In the tense relationship between the village community and the effects of Marco’s increasingly  unpredictable behaviour, Anna tries to preserve a love that in the end outshines even death.

The jury wrote In its statement: "Michael Koch’s film is characterised by powerful images that are able to maintain the tension between the apparent simplicity and the great weight of the drama. In this way, emotions develop their resonance and attain depth. Carried by strong amateur actors, the film surrenders to the rhythm of nature and regards its protagonists as part of the rugged mountain world. Their love not only stands up to adverse circumstances, but also dares to question the inevitability of death."

Zurich-based production company Hugofilm Features (Christoph Neracher) co-produced the film with Germany’s Pandora Film Produktion. The film will celebrate its Swiss premiere on Tuesday, 9 August, in the Panorama Suisse section at the Locarno Film Festival. "A Piece Of Sky" is set to have a a remarkable festival career: the film premiered at this year’s Berlinale where it received a Jury Special Mention. In total, "A Piece Of Sky" has been invited to more than 20 festivals so far.

The Film- und Medienstiftung NRW backed the production with 220,000 Euros. Additional support came from Switzerland’s Federal Office of Culture (FOC), Zurich Film Foundation, the City and Canton of Basel, Canton of Uri, and Suissimage. New Europe Film Sales is handling world sales.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Hollywood will announce the shortlist on 21 December and the five nominated films on 24 January, 2023. The Oscars ceremony will be held on 12 March at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.