Viking
SciFi, Comedy / Stéphane Lafleur / Canada / 104 min / 2022 / OmdU
The latest from Stéphane Lafleur balances absurdist humour with poignant reflection on the human condition as it follows the subjects of behavioural research — and the astronauts they mirror — in advance of the first manned mission to Mars.
The Viking Society is recruiting volunteers for the first manned mission to Mars. The goal is to form a B-team that will mirror the mission here on Earth in order to find solutions to the interpersonal problems that the Mars-bound crew is experiencing. The film tells the story of David, a high school gym teacher, who seizes this opportunity to revive his dream of becoming an astronaut and making a difference. Viking is a little absurd, falling somewhere between a high-concept comedy and a straight up allegorical tale. It’s a story about the gap between our dreams and reality.
Film talk
Preparations for the longest journey yet: What role does our psyche play for a mission to the ISS, Mars or even beyond?
Dr. Viktor Oubaid, Aerospace Psychology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center e.V. / Moderation: Jack Pop, Science Journalist, MDR Wissen
