A visually stunning feature, German director Angelina Maccarone’s (Unveiled) intricate film Vivere centers on the interwoven tales of three women on the run, each trying to save the other, and in the process, save themselves.

Quiet and pensive young lesbian Francesca drives her cab and jams to rock music by day and begrudgingly fills the role of matriarch in her small family by night. On Christmas Eve, Francesca discovers that her teen sister, Antonietta, has run off to Rotterdam with her musician boyfriend and is sent by her harsh father to retrieve the girl.

On her way to find Antonietta, Francesca picks up lovesick Gerlinde (beautifully portrayed by veteran actress Hannelore Elsner), who has been recently scorned by her lesbian lover. A nearly wordless bond forms between Francesca and her unlikely passenger, a relationship that sets the stage for the remainder of the film. Ultimately (as Vivere’s director says), “This film is about the decisiveness to live your dreams and desires instead of dying for them.”

As Maccarone’s script switches from the perspective of Francesca to that of Gerlinde and finally to Antonietta, the director utilizes varied cinematographic styles to underline each story’s unique perspective, and the trio’s collective journey merges cohesively.

ADMISSION:  $10 non-member / $8 members