Mutter Küsters’ Fahrt zum Himmel
(Mother Kusters Goes to Heaven)
by Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Western Germany 1975, 113’
Starring Brigitte Mira, Ingrid Caven, Margit Carstensen, Karlheinz Böhm

Original version with Italian subtitles. Free entry.

In Celebration of R.W. Fassbinder’s 80th Anniversary (1945–2025)
In collaboration with Sicilia Queer Filmfest

Emma Kusters, a working-class woman, faces a devastating turn of events when her husband, a factory worker, kills a manager and then takes his own life. Seeking answers and justice, she becomes involved with left-wing political movements and sensationalist journalists. However, her grief is exploited, leaving her alone and disillusioned.

Fassbinder offers a ruthless portrait of German society, exposing media manipulation and ideological divisions. The film serves as a profound social critique, intertwining personal tragedy and political commentary with Fassbinder’s signature provocative style.

La Deutsche Vita: A Journey Through German Cinema

This year, the film series celebrates the 80th anniversary of Rainer Werner Fassbinder, a pioneer of New German Cinema. His fearless storytelling exposed societal hypocrisy, power dynamics, and human contradictions. A tribute screening of Mother Küsters Goes to Heaven highlights themes of class, family, and postwar struggles. The program also explores memory, war, justice, and women’s roles, with motherhood symbolizing resilience amid today’s crises.

In Collaboration With:
Città di Palermo – Assessorato alla Cultura
Centro Evangelico di Cultura Giacomo Bonelli
Sicilia Queer Filmfest