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Some people save others with words; others simply choose to believe in them. That is the powerful message behind You Believe in Angels, Mr. Drowak?, the feature film by director Nicola Steiner and the final film competing in the Generator +18 section, which brought the programme in the Blue Hall to a close, offering jurors an intense, emotional, and thought-provoking experience.
The story follows Lena, a cheerful university student with an unwavering belief in the goodness of people. After accepting a position as a writing tutor in a social outreach programme, she finds herself with just one student: Hugo Drovak, a former homeless man struggling with alcoholism and deeply scarred by life. What initially appears to be an unlikely encounter gradually develops into a meaningful bond that awakens Hugo’s unexpected talent for writing. But as he begins to put the memories of his past onto paper, his inner demons resurface, forcing him to confront wounds that have never truly healed.
Blending reality and fiction, fairy tale and hardship, the film leaves audiences with an open ending that invites them to reflect on what the future may hold for its protagonists. Welcomed with prolonged applause, Steiner joined the #jurors for a discussion about the film’s long creative journey: eight years of work to bring to life what once seemed like an impossible dream.
“The theme of this year’s edition—impossible things—perfectly reflects my film,” he explained. “For me, the impossible was making this feature film: securing funding, convincing the producer to embrace unconventional creative choices, and assembling the cast. But if you keep believing in your goals, you can eventually achieve them.”
Responding to Eris’ question about the story’s inspiration and the contrast between black-and-white and colour cinematography, the director explained that the film emerged from a collaborative creative process, enriched by the cinematographer’s expertise on themes such as abuse and self-harm. Although the story is not autobiographical, it draws inspiration from a real-life event that took place in Germany, blending realistic elements with an almost fairy-tale atmosphere. The open ending, he added, was a deliberate choice designed to leave room for hope.
The audience was also eager to learn more about the film’s visual language. In response to Giulia’s question about the recurring symbolism of rats, Steiner explained that they embody Hugo’s inner demons and the fears that continue to haunt him. Emanuele asked about the decision to shoot the present-day storyline in black and white while depicting flashbacks in colour. The director explained that this creative choice, developed together with the cinematographer, was intended to guide the audience’s emotional experience. The monochrome present brings two worlds into direct collision, while the past initially appears vivid and colourful before gradually fading as the story unfolds, without ever erasing its underlying message of hope.
The conversation became even more personal when Chiara asked how he had chosen to portray the film’s recurring longing for the impossible. Steiner responded by encouraging the young people in the audience never to give up on their dreams, even when they seem unattainable. One of the most moving moments came when Vincenzo admitted that the film had brought him to tears, praising the extraordinary attention devoted to the production design and visual details. “It fills my heart with joy to know that you noticed all of this,” Steiner replied, revealing that every special effect was created using practical techniques in order to give the film’s world a greater sense of authenticity.
Finally, Naide pointed out an intriguing connection with the literary universe of George Orwell, an observation the director welcomed enthusiastically. “The theme of memory was particularly important to me because it represents hope for the future,” he explained, before concluding the meeting with a message for the #Giffoners: “Work hard to achieve your goals. If you keep pursuing them, you will succeed. I’m sure that one day I’ll be the one sitting on the other side, watching you.”
With You Believe in Angels, Mr. Drovak?, the journey of the oldest jurors comes to an end, leaving behind a profound reflection on the transformative power of stories and human connections.