Asthma

Gus is suffocating in life (and not just figuratively speaking), and finding a meaningful existence is an almost impossible task. His asthma attacks come at the most inopportune times, and are a constant reminder of his attempts to resolve his uncertain situation in a radical manner. Somewhere between the drugs, the lack of money, and his ongoing sense of alienation, Gus sees a shimmer of light in the form of Ruby, a charming and self-confident rocker whose life is much more certain than his. In his endeavour to escape from himself, the young outsider – who bears a striking resemblance to Mick Jagger – sets out on an unpredictable trip in a stolen convertible. Jake Hoffman's feature debut is a vibrant and authentic look at New York's bohemian scene, whose members try to find out who they are to a soundtrack of rock hits. The young acting duo Benedict Samuel and Krysten Ritter are supported in smaller roles by their more experienced colleagues Rosanna Arquette, Iggy Pop and Nick Nolte. (Karlovy Vary International Film Festival)