La Vie Nous Appartient

Zadar Sunset

This summer was an exciting one for La Vie Nous Appartient, taking us from the bustling hub of New York City, to the rocky beaches of Croatia. What a way to spend the final August nights, whether enjoying an ad hoc jam session in a crowded Bushwick bar, or watching the sun set over the clear Mediteranean sea!

New York City

Anthology Film Archives

New York was particularly important for La Vie Nous Appartient, because it was the U.S. premiere of the film. The NewFilmmakers NY gave us the opportunity to present our movie in its summer series as a feature presentation. Viewers had the opportunity to meet director and producers after the screening at the Anthology Film Archives, and they really took advantage of it!

We were a little disappointed at first, because we didn’t know how to interpret the restrained applause at the close of the film – screenings at youth film festivals tended to be much more enthusiastic. But the perceptive questions and engaging discussions after the film proved that we mistook reflectiveness for restraint. La Vie Nous Appartient not only captivates European audiences, but also touches American viewers, who we had believed would be used to more fast-paced movies.

NY Central Park – another reflective moment on our journey

Zadar

Only days after being back in Europe we ventured by car to the Avvantura Film Festival in Zadar, Croatia. Still let-lagged we decided half way that this was a really stupid idea. But this was all forgotten when we were greeted by the most beautiful scenery driving down the new highway leading to the Croatian coast.

The final kilometers into Zadar

The Avvantura Festival venues were situated in the historic center of Zadar, still reminiscent of its Venetian past. Most movies, including ours, were shown in a former 13th century Dominican church, while other screenings, as well as the closing ceremony, took place outside in the main town square. What a contrast to NY!

St. Donat on the main square

Our hosts made sure we were well fed, taking us to a beautiful vinyard overlooking the city one night, allowing a meal of amazing fresh fish the other – opening plenty of opportunities for great conversations with other filmmakers.

The journey is not over for La Vie Nous Appartient; more festival selections have been confirmed for the fall, taking us around the world again, while we also prepare for a long-awaited screening right here at home…