After a protest against deforestation, a masked activist falls into a ravine. Injured and stranded, she wanders through the forest until she finally discovers a secluded commune whose masked inhabitants are seeking an alternative to the failed German state. Masked, anonymous, and at the same time highly political, they live in a kind of commune characterized by climate protests, secrets, and the constant struggle between individuality and collectivity. The atmosphere fluctuates between oppressive realism and surreal dream, making the film an impressive reflection on identity, belonging, and the state of our present.

ABENDLAND is the third feature film by Omer Fast, who has already gained international renown as a video artist. With this work, he now consistently transfers his signature style to cinema: visually powerful, narratively intricate, and always careful to translate social issues into poetic images. The masks worn by the characters act as mirrors of social roles, while nature becomes a projection screen for fears and hopes.

ABENDLAND 2024 premiered at the Berlin Critics' Week, where it was shown as part of the “Carnival of Souls” program. Shortly afterwards, it was also screened at the Crossing Europe Film Festival in Linz, which specifically presents works with an artistically independent signature.