KÖNIG DER RABEN
By Piotr J. Lewandowski
The young Macedonian Darko lives illegally in Germany, struggling to keep himself and his sick mother afloat—both financially and emotionally. A survivalist by necessity, he navigates life using every means available, legal or not, while confronting the early loss of his father, societal prejudices, and a criminal environment.
An unexpected encounter with the enigmatic German Alina shakes the foundation of his carefully constructed microcosm. Whether he can remain true to himself and his principles—despite mounting obstacles—and stand up for those he loves, remains uncertain.
More Than Just a Social Study
Where one might expect a mere sketch of a social milieu, King of Ravens instead explores a multitude of complex themes—Alina’s desperate struggle after a miscarriage, the solidarity among undocumented individuals, and the homoerotic feelings Darko’s best friend harbors for him.
The film’s poetic imagery mirrors the intense emotional states that drive the narrative forward, captivating the audience. Peter Gutting, in his role as a film correspondent for the Guild of German Arthouse Cinemas, describes it as follows:
„Emotions propel the story forward. Rage and passion charge the predominantly nocturnal scenes with a raw life force, symbolized by Darko’s fascination with birds. […] Tender, dreamlike pauses offer viewers glimpses into the inner worlds of two castaways who risk their lives in their attempt to save them.” [Source: programmkino.de]
Magical Realism
Far from stereotypical motifs, as a set decorator under the artistic direction of production designer Patrizia Walzcak, I strive to create a visual interplay between fantastical, realistic, rational, and surreal object collages and living spaces. These environments not only depict certain social milieus but also narrate Darko’s story and his deeply subjective perception of the world.
Non-places—such as an abandoned barracks—are transformed into an illegal yet lyrical and vibrantly colored living space. An old attic becomes Alina’s studio, infused with Japonism and Art Nouveau influences. The prominently present colors, interwoven with traces of structural decay on the fringes of a pulsating metropolis, generate a grounded yet lively atmosphere. However, visual disruptions at times introduce a darker undertone.
Teaser
Crew
Director / Piotr J. Lewandowski – DOP / Jan Prahl – Production Company / Riva Filmproduktion – Producer / Uwe Kamitz – Line Producer / Christian Vennefrohne – Edit / Dan Olteanu – Color / Fabiana Carldalda – Composer / Lenny Mockridge – Sound / Tilo Ehmann – Steadicam / Jörg Süß – 1st Asisstant Camera / Florian Partikel – Light / Martin Bourgund – Production Design / Patricia Walczak – Set Decoration / Jan Christoph Scheurer – Make Up / Petra Herzler-Grossmann – Costume Design / Itamar Zechoval
CAST
DARKO / Malik Blumenthal – ALINA / Antje Traue – RAMONA / Danuta Stenka – YANOOSH / Karim Günes – SCHWARZENEGRO /Ralph Herforth – CHANEL / Barbara Philip – MARTIN / André Röhner – MANOLO / Mert Dincer