Looking for Eric - Ken Loach im Gespräch

Looking for Eric is the latest film by  Ken Loach. In the context of the Europäischer Filmpreis 2009, a formal reception was held in the Essener Lichtburg to honour Loach. The director, who received an award for his life's work, talks about his film Looking for Eric .

Eric is a depressed postman and a zealous fan of Manchester United, an English football team. Neither his job nor his private life have developed as he wanted - although he made his biggest mistake already 25 years ago: he had left Lily, the love of his life.

Eric's life unexpectedly changes when Eric Cantona, his legendary namesake (and a player for his favourite team) is suddenly sitting at his kitchen table.

Cantona himself had the idea for the film. He wanted to make a film dealing with his relationship to his fans. The director had to be a football fan - he had to understand that relationship and all its emotional aspects and approach the subject accordingly. Ken Loach was the first name springing to Cantona's mind.

Looking for Eric is not just a football film, but also deals with solidarity and the courage to confront yourself and others with your or their desires.

More contributions regarding the European film awards:

Video

• Der Wandel des Sozialstaates - Ken Loach
• Ken Loach und die erloschene Hoffnung
• Vom Slum ins Auffanglager - Danny Boyle
• Die European Film Academy und die Master Class Ruhr
• Neun Kinos, sechs Städte - Die Europäische Filmwoche Ruhr
• Europäische Visionen - Ken Loach im Gespräch