The film **Four Minus Three** (original title: **Vier Minus Drei**) made its world premiere at the Panorama section of the **Berlin International Film Festival**, capturing audiences with a poignant narrative rooted in real-life events. Directed by **Adrian Goiginger**, known for his previous works such as **The Best of All Worlds**, the film offers a heartfelt exploration of family, loss, and the resilience of hope, infused with unexpected elements of humor and clowns.
Starring **Valerie Pachner** and **Robert Stadlober**, the story follows a couple, both professional clowns, who embrace a vibrant life with their two children. This joy is shattered when tragedy strikes in the form of a car accident that claims the lives of **Heli** (played by Stadlober) and the children. As outlined in the film’s synopsis, the protagonist, **Barbara**, portrayed by Pachner, must confront an overwhelming grief that tests her belief in humor, humanity, and the possibility of recovery. The narrative raises the question: can her perspective, which acknowledges both joy and sorrow, lead her back to a life filled with laughter?
The screenplay, adapted from the bestselling novel by **Barbara Pachl-Eberhart**, was crafted by **Senad Halilbasic**. With **2010 Entertainment** in Austria and **Giganten Film** in Germany as the production companies, Goiginger worked alongside producers **Peter Wildling**, **Gerrit Klein**, **Martin Pfeil**, and **David Stöllinger** to bring this deeply emotional story to life.
In a statement reflecting on the project, Goiginger shared his initial hesitation upon reading the synopsis. He described the story of a woman enduring the loss of her husband and children as “too intense” for him at first. Yet, after reviewing Halilbasic’s screenplay draft, he recognized the film’s focus on hope and the journey of life following a tragedy, inspiring him to pursue the project passionately.
The production faced significant emotional challenges, demanding commitment from both the cast and crew. Goiginger praised Pachner’s dedication, noting her profound emotional investment in her role, which contributed significantly to the film’s depth. He also highlighted Stadlober’s ability to infuse humor into his character, providing a counterbalance to the film’s heavier themes.
**Four Minus Three** is set for distribution in Germany through **Alamode Film** and in Austria via **Polyfilm**. As part of the festival’s activities, a clip from the film has been released, showcasing Pachner’s character reminiscing about cherished moments with her family, emphasizing the mix of joy and sorrow that defines the narrative.
As audiences prepare for the film’s wider release, it promises to resonate with viewers through its exploration of universal themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of hope, all while maintaining a unique blend of humor and humanity.
