What is the texture of this material – what does it feel like? The film investigates the phenomenon of traditional costumes in all its diversity – including their cultural and political background, and the national legends surrounding them – from the earliest times to the present-day, featuring examples from Austria, Bavaria, Switzerland and South Tyrol.
It focuses on the habitat and dress-codes of the individual protagonists or groups, exploring the political and social significance of rituals and lifestyles, and the exuberant symbolism associated with them. It shows different approaches to tradition in relation to the conflicting demands of modern times, and examines the construction of identity and the idea of ‘home’.
The film explores traditional Austrian folk costume, or Tracht, in all its facets, laying bare the FABRIC OF HOME as a many-threaded, closely-woven fabric, as clothing, business, fashion, ideology, symbol, creed and weapon. The old appellation for this form of clothing has in the meantime become a playful sign of distinction – as has the fashion. A foray into the whole milieu, back through its history, and across all the regions where it is found.
Quotes
I just regard this kind of nationalism as egoism. It is a self-protective phenomenon, and it does exist here …
Dr. Erhard Busek, Austrian People’s Party
For me, they fit together. I am a fan of folk costumes, even though I’m gay. And I’m gay, even though I’m a fan of folk costumes. They just happen top be my two poles …
Schwuhplattler, folk music group
I’ve experienced it myself in Salzburg, people say: I’m from the country, and I’d like to wear a Dirndl, but I can’t bring myself to wear one when I think of its history ...
Prof. Dr. Ulrike Kammerhofer-Aggermann, Salzburg Institute of Ethnology
This outfit brings that out very well, because it’s an Austrian Dirndl, but a Muslim headscarf, and they go together perfectly, there’s no clash …
Saime Öztürk, Lajali Abu Zahra
