Revolving around four circus “freaks” in Nazi-occupied Rome, Freaks Out is an epic cinematic journey and an invitation to embrace what makes you different.
Language: Italian/German/French, subtitles: English
In Rome 1943, Matilde, Cencio, Fulvio and Mario are living as a family in a circus run by magician Israel. Their strange powers are the basis of their act. When the Nazis come to Rome and Israel goes missing, the four lose their place in society as well as the shelter of the circus. But that’s not all. Someone is looking for them, a man who could change not only their fate but also the course of world history.
This visually stunning, unusual film has characters with superpowers stuck in the brutality of the second World War and faced with a Nazi pianist who can see the future. Films this big are not often made in Europe, and it took a long time to make it. The result may not be what you expect of a film about people with strange powers as they are flawed beings who have become emotionally damaged and suspicious by nature, but we promise: it is an intriguing ride. And after seeing it, you yourself will feel quite normal.
Please note: the film contains graphic images of a violent nature.
This film is recommended by the Studium Generale film committee because: “It has a different take on superheroes with seemingly useless powers in the middle of WWII in Italy. Beautiful visuals and sequences filmed on a super low budget compared to Marvel (but unusually high for an EU made film) with funny and unexpected references and some Xmen vibes.”
Awards
The film won the Audience Award at the International Film Festival Rotterdam 2022 and is now finally being released in the Netherlands. It also won a heap of awards at the 2022 Venice Film festival.
Reviews
“A glorious ode to outsiders.” Loud and clear
“A colleague called it "a nice movie for an Italian superhero Holocaust film" and he was absolutely right.” Screen Anarchy
Ticket information
This film will be shown at Filmhuis De Zwarte Doos. Buying a ticket online in advance is mandatory if you want to attend this film. You can buy a ticket via the black “order” button on this page.
Please note: you can only buy a ticket online; tickets are not purchasable with cash or bank card at the ticket counter. A ticket is not refundable or exchangeable.
You can find more general information about tickets, refund policy, etc. here.
Please be on time
The screening of the film starts at 19:30 sharp (no commercials). We kindly ask you to be at the ticket counter when it opens 15 minutes prior to the start of the film. This is to ensure the film starts and ends on time.
The Studium Generale film program is created in collaboration with the student film committee and Natlab.