The Edge of Heaven
Grade: A-

Looking for lesbian content at the 31st Portland International Film Festival? You’ll find it in this highly engrossing German drama by writer and director Fatih Akin, who took home the Best Screenplay award at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival. The film – which is set in Germany and Turkey - invites comparisons to Babel and Crash by juggling several interconnected and emotionally charged stories. Fortunately Akin’s effort is not nearly as overwrought as its predecessors, giving the viewer room to breath and reflect even when tragedy strikes. The sensitively portrayed lesbian relationship takes place between a German student and an illegal immigrant who leaves Turkey to escape prosecution for her dissident political activity.

Screens February 8 at 9:15 p.m. & February 9 at 3 p.m. at the Portland Art Museum’s Whitsell Auditorium.