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Archiv einer Liebe
/Narrative Film
Synopsis
Archiv einer Liebe is a short fictional film about closeness, distance and the attempt to preserve a relationship in the face of change.
The story follows Oskar, a 15-year-old boy who is about to move away and fears losing closeness to his girlfriend. In order to cope with this uncertainty, he writes a letter and records a video message, trying to articulate his thoughts, doubts and hopes.
Rather than expressing his emotions directly, Oskar develops a peculiar system: he designs stickers that can be placed over photographs to mask or neutralize shared memories, making potential separation feel more manageable. The film translates his inner logic into a playful, visually driven narrative that balances humor, tenderness and emotional precision.
The addressed person remains unseen throughout the film. This absence becomes a central narrative device, creating space for projection and allowing the story to remain open and universal. In addition, Archiv einer Liebe subtly reveals parts of its own making, blurring the line between fiction, documentation and reflection.
Form & Approach
The film combines live-action scenes with graphic design, animation, collage and archival material. Its narrative frame is a deliberately reduced press-conference setting staged in a domestic space, from which the film branches into visualizations of Oskar’s thoughts and memories.
Rather than relying on dialogue or classical storytelling, the film is driven by rhythm, composition and design. Graphic elements are not illustrative but function as an independent narrative layer. A limited color palette and a recurring visual system create cohesion across the different visual forms.
Production & Working Process
Archiv einer Liebe was realized as a small-scale production with a very compact crew. The project was developed through an iterative and parallel process in which writing, editing, visual design and animation evolved simultaneously.
Early on, the film was structured through a “radio edit,” allowing timing, rhythm and tone to be tested before the shoot. Many visual elements were created in advance and later combined with the live-action footage.
The shoot took place in a self-built set in my parents’ garage, enabling thorough preparation and a focused one-day production. I took on most creative roles myself – including concept, script, direction, editing and graphic design – while collaborating with a small team for camera, sound and performance. The project consciously blends analog and digital materials, aiming for a tactile, coherent visual language rather than strict realism.
Credits
Creative Production,
Direction, Script &
Animation
Jan Horvath
DoP
Jette Peggau
Talent
Lasse von Boetticher
Sound
Thomas Huck
Thanks to
Simon Feller
Anja & Frank Horvath
Lukas Horvath &
Sabine Hirtes