An in-depth discussion with writer/director MICHAEL KOCH talking about the beauteous and emotional, A PIECE OF SKY, Switzerland’s submission for the 95th Academy Awards as Best Foreign Language Film.
A quiet, reflective, and thoughtful film that tacitly explores the relationship between man and nature, life and death, A PIECE OF SKY is one of the most emotionally beautiful films of the year; not to mention showcasing the stunning multi-season imagery of the Swiss mountains.
SYNOPSIS: The story of a young man whose mental faculties slowly erode and the patient wife who tries to stand by his side as he loses his grip on reality. Set in a remote alpine village, Anna works both as a waitress and mail carrier to support her young daughter. She has fallen deeply in love with the village newcomer, Marco, a strong and silent farmhand from the lowlands. But soon after their wedding, Marco is diagnosed with a brain tumor. As the seasons change, his behavior grows increasingly erratic, leading up to a severe transgression that threatens to tear the young family apart.
Written and directed by Michael and co-written with Nadja Dumouchel as story editor, A PIECE OF SKY stars non-actors Michele Brand and Simon Wisler as Anna and Marco. Cinematographer Armin Dierolf delivers imagery that is not only beautiful but emotionally powerful while editor Florian Riegel finds the pacing of nature’s heartbeat.
An interesting conversation with MICHAEL KOCH as he discusses the film’s themes, casting non-actors, visual imagery, shooting over the course of a year in order to capture all of the seasons, challenges of shooting on the side of a mountain and in getting equipment to certain locations, sound design and mix and the importance of silence, score, use of a specific needle drop, the “Greek chorus” concept, and so much more. Enthusiastic and excited not only about the film itself, but you can also hear his joy when discussing the honor of having his film selected for Oscar submission by Switzerland.
TAKE A LISTEN. . .
by debbie elias, exclusive interview 10/11/2022
