Ute Bock Superstar

It is the final part of a charming trilogy about a refugee worker whose habitus is so unglamorous that one might wonder how this film title is justified. This is pure irony of course, but at the same time a tribute to an incomparable social figure. As the journalist Claus Philipp puts it: “Even if this is a perverse comparison: Like great Austrian star entertainers Ute Bock has achieved a part in public space which led immediately to a recognition value; like Qualtinger, or Hans Moser. Ute Bock, in her mixture of wit and grumpy statements accomplished almost a theatralic part besides the function she had in organizing aid projects.” Ute Bock Superstar is a special tribute, a kaleidoscope of private and public memories, a testimony of Bock’s down-to-earth-appeal. Each of the scenes is dedicated to a public figure that seems determined and stalwart. At the same time the film is investigating the person behind the persona. On January 19, Ute Bock died. Reviving her in sometimes improvised, raw images from everyday life, one might believe, she is still alive. In the movie she once says, I am immortal. That was one of her jokes how she used to ease the tension. (Viennale)