This cinematic retelling of Austrian author Robert Seethaler’s celebrated novel The Tobacconist will receive its UK premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in their European Perspectives programme. Both the director Nikolaus Leytner and lead actor Simon Morzé will be in attendance.
When 17-year-old Franz (Simon Morzé) is sent to Vienna to work at a tobacconist shop run by a family friend, he develops a bond with local customer Sigmund Freud (Bruno Ganz in one of his final films). The rise of fascism in Vienna in 1937 provides a turbulent backdrop as Franz contends with dark shifts in society while struggling to make sense of his new relationship with the enigmatic Anezka (Emma Drogunova). Adapted from Robert Seethaler’s acclaimed 2017 novel, Nikolaus Leytner’s film is a moving coming-of-age period drama featuring excellent performances.
Screening times & dates:
Sunday 23 June, 15:25
Tuesday 25 June, 20:45
