The Fourth Generation, is a homage to Berlin’s vibrant underground and the communities that breathe life into the city. The film is set in a dystopian future, but the themes explored are very real. Queer identity, feminism, sexuality and the intersection of politics and art. In the near future Professional provocateur and artist Maven Shegula has returned to Berlin after a hiatus in Zürich. She’s back to celebrate her 50th birthday, and to appear on a popular German talk show.
As she wanders the streets of Berlin with her girlfriend and friend, it becomes apparent that being an artist in this city is no longer acceptable. The humming nightlife has disappeared, and the vibrant creative community pushed to the margins of society. The film is alive with tension, both sexual and otherwise. As Maven’s story unfurls on live television, we learn about her son, her politics, her heritage and her alter-ego Rosa who champions radical self-expression and feminism. The interview is dispersed with beautiful and volcanic eruptions from Maven that act as both a denunciation of the city’s leadership and a love letter to Berlin.
Packed full of vibrant fashion, queerness, dark humour and experimental visuals, The Fourth Generation depicts every artists worst nightmare – and the lengths one woman will go to stand by
what she believes in. The film features a predominantly trans and non-binary cast.
Selected Festivals
Premiere – Vienna Queer Shorts Festival
Credits
Directed and Written by: Yony Leyser
Sound Design: Hyenaz (Kathryn Fischer & Adrienne Teicher)
Cast: Aerea Negrot, Gigi Spelsberg, Yvon Jansen, Daniel Zillmann, Mano Thiravong, Mathea Hoffmann, Chilly Gonzales
Cinematography: Paul Faltz
Editing: Hamed Mohammadi
Art Director: Darko Petrovic
Production Design: Jeff Schaul, Victoria Shved
Costume Design: Alexis Mersmann