Lovely Rita

This special limited edition slipcover (designed by Steak Mtn) is limited to 1,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Founded in 2002 as one of the first-ever subscription film services with its DVD-of-the-Month Film Club, Film Movement is now a North American distributor of award-winning independent and foreign films based in New York City. In 2015, Film Movement launched the reissue label Film Movement Classics featuring new restorations released theatrically as well as on home video, with an emphasis on films by auteur directors such as Eric Rohmer, Peter Greenaway and Takeshi Kitano.

Feeling confined by her well-mannered suburban environment, the pubescent Rita gradually attempts to test and break the expectations made of her. As she skips class to pursue her infatuation for a local bus driver as well as her own desires, her disapproving parents and classmates begin to question the motivation behind her provocations. However, Rita’s adolescent rebellions occlude a more sinister intention.

“A deliciously observed, ironic take on middle-class Austrian life,” (Variety) Jessica Hausner’s debut feature establishes her thematic interest in societal assimilation with a singular portrait of teenage recalcitrance. Newly restored in 4k and available for the first time in North America, LOVELY RITA remains just as shocking as it was during its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in 2001.

directed by: Jessica Hausner
starring: Barbara Osika, Christoph Bauer, Peter Fiala, Wolfgang Kostal, Karina Brandmlmayer
2001 / 79 min / 1.78:1 / German DTS-HD MA 5.1, 2.0