Viennale Sets Retrospective on Dutch Director Digna Sinke, Including New Film ‘Key to Heaven’

by

This year’s 63rd edition of the Viennale, the Vienna International Film Festival, will showcase a retrospective on Dutch director Digna Sinke, featuring her newest film titled “Hemelsleutel” or “Key to Heaven“.

Working together with Dutch distributor Verde Films and curated by Gerwin Tamsma, a former programmer for the International Film Festival Rotterdam, the Viennale is set to display the filmmaking artistry of German director Christian Petzold in 13 different films. Following his appointment as the new president of the Viennale, these movies will be showcased.

Viennale describes Digna Sinke as a unique voice in Dutch cinema, known for her thoughtful observations, poetic style, and distinctive portrayal of change and landscape in her films. She will be personally attending the Viennale to discuss her work with the audience.”

Or:

“Digna Sinke, whose filmmaking career is marked by insightful perspectives, profound poetry, and a unique take on change and scenery, has been a standout in Dutch cinema since the 1970s. The Viennale announced that she will be present to showcase her work and engage with the audience.

The retrospective will showcase some of Sinke’s early works, including his graduation short film titled “Greetings from Zonnemaire” (1972), as well as full-length films like “Above the Mountains” (1992) and “Belle van Zuylen” (1993). It will also screen documentaries such as “Wistful Wilderness” (2010) and “Keeping & Saving or How to Live” (2018).

Alternatively, the retrospective will display various early works by Sinke, including his graduation short film “Greetings from Zonnemaire” (1972), as well as full-length films like “Above the Mountains” (1992) and “Belle van Zuylen” (1993). It will also screen documentaries such as “Wistful Wilderness” (2010) and “Keeping & Saving or How to Live” (2018).

Lastly, the retrospective will feature a selection of Sinke’s initial works, including his graduation short film “Greetings from Zonnemaire” (1972), along with full-length films like “Above the Mountains” (1992) and “Belle van Zuylen” (1993). It will also screen documentaries such as “Wistful Wilderness” (2010) and “Keeping & Saving or How to Live” (2018).

Highlighting a unique feature, the Viennale will showcase Sinke’s recent creation, “Hemelsleutel” or “Key to Heaven“, a film that combines personal experiences and essay-style storytelling with documentary and fiction elements. The narrative revolves around “young photographer Lea”, who captures the transformation of Amsterdam’s port area on film, while also guiding her on an introspective journey through the director’s own memories and feelings. According to a summary, this movie had its debut at the Rotterdam Film Festival and is scheduled for Dutch cinema release on June 19.

Eva Sangiorgi, Viennale director, expressed delight in showcasing Digna Sinke’s multifaceted body of work within a special program at the Viennale. ‘Her films’, she said, ‘are known for their remarkable artistic liberty. Sinke skillfully blends various filmmaking methods with a keen eye for style and delves into both physical landscapes and human emotions with a near-painterly sensitivity.’

This year’s Viennale runs Oct. 16–28.

Read More

2025-05-26 19:24