The Indonesian premiere of "First Snow of Summer" took place on Friday, June 16, 2023, at the Goethe-Institut Jakarta as part of the Europe on Screen 2023 festival.

Europe on Screen 2023, the film festival taking place in Indonesia, has commenced its screenings in seven cities across the country since June 16th, 2023. Showcasing a diverse selection of films from 24 European countries, the festival will present a total of 73 captivating movies. Among the featured films is "First Snow of Summer," a creation by director Chris Raiber.

"First Snow of Summer" follows the tale of Alexander, a peculiar individual portrayed by Thomas Prunn. Haunted by the sorrowful loss of his mother, Alexander resolves never to fall in love, fearing the same fate as his grieving father. Engaging in a distinctive hobby and driven by a special mission, Alexander finds himself employed in the Lost and Found department of an underground train station. It is within these confines that he encounters Caro, a girl played by Verena Altenberger, who works at a hat store in the same station, and falls deeply in love.

This enchanting Austrian film has been chosen as the opening feature for this year's Europe on Screen festival. With a runtime of 90 minutes, the movie captivates its audience by introducing the unconventional and charismatic character of Alexander, setting him apart from other individuals.

Raised by his grandmother, Alexander's days were spent immersing himself in cowboy films. He possesses a unique habit of gauging the temperature by sensing it through his own body each day, adhering to his grandmother's advice to take a bath whenever he feels scared.

In contrast to his close bond with his grandmother, Alexander and his father share an invisible barrier between them. Their communication takes an unconventional form, with Alexander creating hidden drawings as a means of connecting with his mother. One of his protective tools is a painted dandelion helmet.

Initially, Alexander takes the spotlight in the film. However, the camera gradually shifts its focus to Caro, Alexander's co-workers with their own idiosyncrasies and fears, his somber father, and other characters who breathe life into the story.

The presence of Alexander's co-workers and the train passengers who frequent the station adds excitement to the film, rescuing the audience from potential monotony. While the behaviors of these individuals may seem peculiar, their idiosyncrasies often elicit laughter. The introduction of each character serves as a reminder of the stylistic influences of Wes Anderson.

With its deliberate pacing and emotionally reserved protagonist like Alexander, "First Snow of Summer" defies expectations of an intensely dramatic or conventionally romantic love story. Instead, their relationship unfolds in an awkward manner. Nonetheless, screenwriter Chris Raiber endeavors to infuse classic romantic elements while remaining true to Alexander's eccentric nature.

"First Snow of Summer" is a romantic drama that unfolds within the confined world of an underground station, characterized by strong and distinctive characters. Shielded from sunlight, the two remarkable individuals in the narrative captivate the audience, enhanced by an enthralling score and visually appealing color palette.

Released in March 2023, the film garnered four nominations at the Austrian Film Awards, with Verena Altenberger receiving a nomination for the audience's favorite actress at the Romy Gala in Australia. Additionally, it secured the Best Original Score in Film award at the Diagonale festival in Australia.

The Indonesian premiere of "First Snow of Summer" took place on Friday, June 16, 2023, at the Goethe-Institut Jakarta as part of the Europe on Screen 2023 festival. The event boasted the presence of esteemed guests, including ambassadors from various European countries to Indonesia, alongside other notable figures.

Distinguished personalities in attendance, such as H.E. Mr. Thomas Loidl, the Austrian Ambassador to Indonesia, Dr. Stefan Dreter, the Regional Director of Goethe-Institut, Mr. Stephane Mechati, the Deputy of Mission for the European Union, and Meninaputri Wismurti and Nauval Yazid, the Europe on Screen Festival Co-Directors, delivered special remarks during the event.

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