Fish Takes Off Poster

Fish Takes Off 2019

64 min📅 2019-02-10

In *Fish Takes Off (2019)*, Deniz Cooper crafts a hauntingly poetic short film set against the empty canals and weathered stone of Venice. A young woman arrives at the Rialto Bridge, clutching a small cooler—inside, her goldfish is dead.

Director: Deniz Cooper

Cast

Salka Weber
Salka Weber
young woman
Alessandro Bressanello
Alessandro Bressanello
Concierge
Julia Edtmeier
Julia Edtmeier
Friend
Florian Carove
Gondoliere
Dominic Oley
Author
Somerset Barnard
Street Musician
Pino D'Angiò
Pino D'Angiò
Self
Clemens Berndorff
Clemens Berndorff
Waiter
Anna Rieser
Woman
Michelangelo Adamo
Barkeeper

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fish Takes Off (2019) about?

*Fish Takes Off* follows a young woman who brings a dead goldfish to Venice's Rialto Bridge with the intention of releasing it into the sea. Overcome by a stronger emotion, she hesitates and instead carries the fish back through the empty streets, searching for something she's lost—whether in the city or within herself. The film blends surreal imagery with deep emotional undercurrents.

Who directed Fish Takes Off?

Deniz Cooper directed *Fish Takes Off*, bringing a distinctive visual and narrative style to this short film.

Who stars in Fish Takes Off?

The film stars Salka Weber in the lead role, with Alessandro Bressanello, Julia Edtmeier, Florian Carove, and Dominic Oley rounding out the principal cast.

Is Fish Takes Off (2019) worth watching?

While *Fish Takes Off* is an experimental short film with a niche appeal, its dreamlike Venice setting and quiet emotional depth make it compelling for fans of surreal cinema. Its 64-minute runtime keeps it accessible, though its abstract storytelling may not resonate with everyone.

How long is Fish Takes Off?

The runtime for *Fish Takes Off* is 64 minutes.

About Fish Takes Off (2019) — A surreal Venice journey of loss and unexpected decisions

In *Fish Takes Off (2019)*, Deniz Cooper crafts a hauntingly poetic short film set against the empty canals and weathered stone of Venice. A young woman arrives at the Rialto Bridge, clutching a small cooler—inside, her goldfish is dead. Her original plan was to release the fish into the sea, but something deeper stirs within her. As she wanders the surreal, deserted city, she searches for meaning in a world stripped of its usual energy. This 64-minute meditation on loss and transformation blends dreamlike visuals with quiet introspection. Starring Salka Weber in a quietly powerful lead role, the film lingers like a half-remembered dream, inviting viewers to reflect on what we carry—and what we're willing to let go.

With its stark Venice backdrop and minimalist storytelling, *Fish Takes Off (2019)* feels both intimate and expansive. Weber's performance anchors a narrative that questions tradition, memory, and the unexpected emotions that disrupt even the simplest plans. The film's dreamy atmosphere and philosophical tone make it a standout in modern short cinema, appealing to fans of surrealism and character-driven drama alike.