Der Ball

In the Austrian town of Horn, an annual school ball is held at the local grammar school. While Ulrich Seidl, having grown up in Horn himself, was still studying at the film school, he decided to make a film about this phenomenon. Through interviews with students, parents, local administrators, teachers and the principal, he wanted to provide insight into the event. He also followed the preparations for the party, the fitting of clothes and visits to the beautician. The ball itself reveals that the students treat each other very rudely and are deeply aware of class distinctions, topped with a touch of sexual frustration. This made Der Ball into a symbol of the narrow-minded, bigoted and priggish atmosphere, created not only by the school but also by the town and its inhabitants. The film school was less enthralled by the film, withdrew as the producer and kicked Seidl from the institute. The following seven years, Seidl had to go through life as a driver, supply clerk and TV editor, before he was allowed to make another film. (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)