Al Cook, born Alois Koch, is Austria's preeminent American blues musician, shaped by Elvis Presley and Robert Johnson and a force in the country's 1980s rockabilly revival. Playing a version of himself, he learns his Vienna apartment, stuffed with VHS tapes, records and clippings, is set for demolition. The film won the Giuseppe Becce Award at the 2026 Berlinale. If you love music docs with heart, this one is a gem.
What to expect
An 86-minute hybrid of documentary and fiction, gently soulful and funny, built around a charismatic subject and his treasure-trove home. Expect plenty of blues and rockabilly on the soundtrack. Al's apartment is nearly a character itself, crammed with VHS tapes, albums and clippings that tie him to his past.
Good to know
- Take the 1 train to 66 St–Lincoln Center; the A, B, C and D stop a few blocks south at 59 St–Columbus Circle.
- Dialogue is in German with English subtitles.
- Festival screenings start on time, so collect tickets and get in line early.
- If a screening is listed as sold out, check Film at Lincoln Center's site again closer to the day for released seats.
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Common questions
Who is Al Cook?
An Austrian blues and rockabilly musician, born Alois Koch, influenced by Elvis Presley and Robert Johnson.
How long is the film?
86 minutes.
Did it win any awards?
It won the Giuseppe Becce Award at the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival.
