Fado

The strangely familiar face of a deceased patient snaps young doctor FABIAN (33) out of his lethargy. On the spur of the moment, he leaves Berlin and travels to Lisbon, where his ex-girlfriend DORO (31) works as an architect. Doro is surprised by his sudden appearance and initially doesn't know how to deal with it. The two had a close but also painful relationship. Fabian tries hard to win Doro back. He wants to show her that he has learned from his mistakes and is serious about their relationship. He finds an apartment in Lisbon, takes a language course, and has even quit his job in Berlin to build a new life with Doro. At the same time, he seems more open and fun-loving and even appears to have his jealousy under control. Doro falls in love with Fabian again. But after their first night together, Fabian's fears resurface. The couple drifts inexorably apart. FADO, Jonas Rothlaender's feature film debut, combines precise observation with emotionally raw imagery. Cinematographer Julian Krubasik captures the shimmering heat of Portugal as well as the inner coldness of the characters. Golo Euler and Luise Heyer embody their roles with impressive openness, creating an intense chamber drama about control, vulnerability, and the limits of intimacy. The film celebrated its world premiere at the 2016 Max Ophüls Prize Film Festival, where Jonas Rothlaender received the Saarland Minister-President's Film Award for Best Director. FADO was subsequently screened at the International Film Festival Rotterdam and the Transilvania International Film Festival, among others, and gained international attention for its uncompromising portrayal of emotional dependence. With precise direction and relentless honesty, the film marks an impressive start to Rothlaender's feature film career.