Lourdes

“The hope that something could happen in life that would completely reshuffle the cards” inspired Jessica Hausner to write the story of Christine, who visits the pilgrimage site of Lourdes. Initially motivated less by faith itself than by the opportunity to travel, the woman in her mid-thirties takes part in activities and rituals surrounding the spring water that offers hope for healing. Suffering from severe multiple sclerosis, Christine is dependent on the help of the Sisters of Malta, befriends another pilgrim, and catches the eye of one of the guards. Will a miracle happen? Hausner's screenplay was written after intensive research and numerous interviews. With a keen eye, she tells of interpersonal encounters, norms of happiness and good living, challenging life situations, and a place that thrives on the longing for miracles. (Bianca Jasmina Rauch)