Exploring Interracial Love and Cultural Connections: Ivette Löcker’s Latest Documentary at the Sarajevo Film Festival
Berlin-based Austrian filmmaker Ivette Löcker, known for her thought-provoking works like Night Shifts and Ties That Bind, delves deep into the intricacies of human relationships in her latest documentary, Our Time Will Come (Unsere Zeit wird kommen). Premiering at the 31st edition of the Sarajevo Film Festival, Löcker’s film is a poignant exploration of interracial relationships, a topic she believes is increasingly relevant in today’s society.
In her conversation with The Hollywood Reporter at the festival, Löcker highlighted her fascination with the dynamics of different types of relationships. “My previous films often focused on the nuances of human connections,” she explained. “I wanted to explore interracial relationships further, especially as they become more common in our society. As members of the white majority, it’s essential for us to understand and embrace these connections.”
The film tells the compelling story of Siaka, a Gambian man, and his wife Victoria, as they return to Austria after years of uncertainty and involuntary exile. The couple is determined to build a stable life and start a family in their adopted homeland. However, they face significant cultural differences and societal challenges. The Sarajevo Film Festival describes the film as a reflection of love that transcends cultural barriers, even in an Austria grappling with rising authoritarianism and populism. In a powerful moment, Siaka expresses his frustration, stating, “Racism is a sickness.”
Our Time Will Come seamlessly blends observational filmmaking with intimate interviews, taking viewers on a journey from Vienna to Gambia. Löcker’s unique cinematic style combines fly-on-the-wall scenes with a poetic visual narrative. “I aim to portray modern love, especially in a world where many people no longer live in their home countries,” she said.
The inception of the film is equally intriguing. Löcker recounts how she was approached by Victoria, whom she met at the Diagonale film festival in Graz in 2017. Victoria expressed interest in sharing her and Siaka’s story, highlighting the challenges they faced as an interracial couple. “I was thrilled to learn more about them,” Löcker recalled. “Their story is not just personal; it reflects broader issues of cultural communication and integration.”
Over the course of a year, Löcker followed the couple after Siaka secured his residency and work permits. This timeframe allowed her to examine their everyday lives and the complexities of their relationship. As the film developed, the focus expanded to include their desire for family, particularly Siaka’s longing for a child, which became a crucial theme.
Löcker’s vision for the documentary was to create a narrative that resonates universally, addressing specific challenges while also appealing to a broader audience. “We wanted to tell a story that reflects both their unique experiences and the common struggles faced by many, regardless of their backgrounds,” she explained.
Looking ahead, Ivette Löcker is excited about her next project, which she plans to finance in September. “This time, I’ll be exploring female friendship with multiple protagonists, which is a new direction for me,” she shared with enthusiasm.
With her commitment to storytelling that bridges cultural divides, Ivette Löcker continues to shine a light on the complexities of human relationships, making her work both relevant and relatable in today’s world.
