The film “Heiko’s World” on the Darling Berlin label continues to thrill Berlin cinema audiences. On Tuesday evening, more than 700 spectators gathered at the arte Sommerkino in the Kulturforum between the Nationalgalerie and the Berlin Philharmonie to celebrate the comedy from Berlin-Wedding.
In the presence of Heiko actor Martin Rohde and director Dominik Galizia, who introduced their film to the audience at the beginning, and fantastic starry open air weather at 31 degrees, the comedy was shown on the gigantic screen facing Potsdamer Platz.
In the comedy “Heiko’s World” is a zany, loving ode to – and odyssey through – Berlin’s corner bars with their very own fauna of original characters, full of unexpected twists and turns, and with a main character who grows on us as she goes on her beer-soaked hero’s journey. The film begins with the audience learning that Heiko’s mother Belinda suffers from keratoconus, a rare change in the cornea. She is gradually losing her sight and could soon go completely blind if she is not helped. Belinda’s eyesight could be restored with the cornea of a deceased donor – but such a transplant costs a lot of money, which the health insurance does not cover.
For Heiko, this is the beginning of an odyssey through the Berlin bar world: in order to raise the money for his mother’s operation, he faces the best dart players in town, at first reluctantly, but then with growing ambition, euro for euro. They, however, pursue completely different plans and thus pull Heiko into a spiral of madness that he could not have imagined before.
The screening was the kick-off for further nationwide Heiko’s World Open Airs, which will end on 31 August with a second screening at the Weddinger Freiluftkino Rehberge. At the first screening in Berlin’s largest open-air cinema, which was sold out, 1,512 visitors saw “Heiko’s World” in one evening. In total, almost 19,000 viewers have seen the film to date.
Comments about the movie
“‘Heiko’s World’ is an affectionate, wonderful millieu study with plenty of Berlin snark. This dart hits the heart.” (Bayerischer Rundfunk)
“A delightful experience. One is completely enveloped by this film.” (Kino Zeit)
“[Heiko] is a charismatic identification figure, and the film shows in gently overwrought social realism a world that hasn’t changed much in the last 50 years, and in which there is still a belief in the victory of good and in love.” (Indie Cinema)
“A drama with Berlin snark and a lot of heart. Wonderful!” (3sat)
“Authentic, heartwarming cinematic experience.” (rbb television)
“The performance is like a concert: the fans cheer for Heiko, cheer for his hits and boo his opponents. At the end there are “Heiko” chants and standing ovations. […] The film is a touching homage to the quirky characters at the bar and to a Wedding that should remain as it is.” (TAZ)
“‘Heiko’s World’ is an unusual film in many ways and lead actor Martin Rohde is the primus inter pares of a wonderful ensemble.” (Jury Filmfest München)
“Not a film, but an experience!” (arteschock)
“A gem in the German cinema mishmash, which is remarkably self-confidently staged with heart and soul” (Filmdienst)
“‘Heiko’s World’: from Weddinger pub unique to cult cinema star!” (tag 24)
More information about the movie: Heiko’s World
More information about the film label: Darling Berlin
