Waren einmal Revoluzzer

“We are taking Pavel to Austria!” Volker and Helene have known each other forever. Now in their mid-thirties, they are still good friends, even if their ideas of a fulfilled life no longer completely harmonise. As modern, liberal Viennese, they have decided to help a mutual Russian friend – Helene’s ex – escape to Austria. Having become politically involved in his homeland, he got himself into trouble. However, what the two initially see as an adventure, soon threatens the entire basis of their friendship. When Pavel – unexpectedly alongside his wife and child – gets off the train, a whirlwind journey begins that takes all those involved from their humdrum everyday existences to the very centre of the (un)truthful chaos of life. Once Were Rebels shows what happens when people in need clash with the expectations of their helpers, and, with humour and charm, tells a story about friendship, family and all kinds of mishaps. (Zurich Film Festival)