Beta Cinema has picked up international sales rights for 'Four Minus Three,' a new film by Austrian director Adrian Goiginger. The movie will have its world premiere in the Panorama section of the Berlinale, running from February 12 to 22, 2026, in Berlin. The deal comes just ahead of the festival, where the film joins other Austrian entries in the lineup.
Background
Adrian Goiginger knows how to tell stories from real life. His earlier film 'The Best of All Worlds' looked at addiction in a Tyrolean family and picked up awards at festivals. 'Four Minus Three' follows that path. It centers on Barbara and Heli, a couple who work as professional clowns. They live a free life with their two young children, full of shows and laughter. The family travels and performs, building a world away from the everyday grind.
The story takes a dark turn one day. Heli and the children suffer a terrible accident on their way home from a gig. Only Barbara survives. Left alone, she must find a way to keep going. The title 'Four Minus Three' points to the family's change from four members to one. Goiginger heard about this from people close to the real events. He spent time with Barbara, the woman at the heart of it, to get the details right.
This is not Goiginger's first time at big festivals. His past work has shown at places like the Berlinale before. Austria has a strong showing at the 2026 edition. Four films from the country made the cut. 'Rose' by Markus Schleinzer is in the main Competition. 'The Loneliest Man in Town' by Tizza Covi and Rainer Frimmel also competes there. 'The Blood Countess' by Ulrike Ottinger screens in Berlinale Special Gala. 'Wax & Gold' by Ruth Beckermann appears in Berlinale Special Presentation. 'Four Minus Three' and 'London' by Sebastian Brameshuber fill out the Panorama section.
The Austrian film scene has been building steam. Producers like 2010 Entertainment, which made this film with German partners, keep pushing stories that mix personal pain with hope. Goiginger wrote the script with Barbara's input. They wanted to show how someone rebuilds after loss, step by step.
Key Details
'Four Minus Three' stars Valerie Pachner as Barbara. She plays the mother who loses everything in seconds. Robert Stadlober takes the role of Heli, her partner and fellow clown. Stefanie Reinsperger, Hanno Koffler, and Ronald Zehrfeld round out the main cast. These actors bring experience from German and Austrian films. Pachner has worked on projects like 'The Ground Beneath Her Feet.' Stadlober is known from TV series and movies across Europe.
Production Facts
The film comes from 2010 Entertainment in Austria, with co-production help from Germany. Shooting took place over several months, capturing the road life of clowns. Crew members talked about long days on location, from small towns to bigger cities. The budget stayed modest, in line with many independent European films. Post-production wrapped up late last year, leaving time for festival prep.
Beta Cinema, based in Germany, handles sales for many festival hits. They take on films with strong stories and good casts. This deal means they will pitch 'Four Minus Three' to buyers from around the world during the Berlinale. Markets there draw distributors from Asia, North America, and elsewhere. A trailer for the film has started making rounds, showing clips of the family's happy times and the crash's aftermath.
The Berlinale Panorama section focuses on bold, new voices. It often features films that tackle tough topics like grief and survival. Past entries have gone on to wider releases and awards. For 'Four Minus Three,' the premiere sets the stage for deals and reviews.
"We built our life around joy and shows, but one moment took it all away. This film shows how I found my way back." – Barbara, inspiration for the lead character
What This Means
Beta Cinema's involvement opens doors for 'Four Minus Three.' Sales agents like them know how to match films with the right markets. Europe will likely grab it first, given the language and story. English-speaking countries could follow if subtitles draw interest. Festivals after Berlinale, like Cannes or Toronto, might screen it too.
For Goiginger, this builds on his track record. Success here could lead to bigger budgets or English-language projects. The cast gains exposure. Pachner and others often use festival roles to land mainstream work.
Austria's presence at Berlinale highlights its film strength. With four entries, it shows funding and talent are paying off. 'Four Minus Three' stands out for its true-story roots. Buyers look for emotional pulls that play well in theaters.
The deal also signals market interest in drama films. After years of blockbusters, stories about real people find audiences. Streaming services scout festivals for content that fits their lineups. A strong premiere could land 'Four Minus Three' on platforms reaching millions.
Viewers at Berlinale will see the film first. Tickets go on sale soon, and buzz is already building. For the team, the focus stays on the premiere. They hope it honors the real family's story while reaching new people.
The film runs about 100 minutes. It mixes quiet moments with intense drama. Clown scenes bring light touches amid the heavy plot. Goiginger aimed for balance, avoiding easy tears. Early team feedback calls it moving but honest.
Beta Cinema has a history of hits. They sold films like 'Toni Erdmann' to wide release. Their track record helps calm nerves for sellers. For 'Four Minus Three,' the timing fits perfect with the festival calendar.
As Berlinale nears, more details will emerge. Press screenings happen early in the week. Reviews from critics shape the conversation. Deals often close during market days. The team prepares for questions on the true events and making choices.
