A program of short films in which love, migration, and decoloniality are explored in both sensorial and narrative forms. Thematically departing from Bernardo Zanotta’s new film WILD FRUITS, the programme takes us through unique cinematic landscapes with experimental scifi from the past and obscure rediscovered 35mm shorts. There will be a Q&A with curator and director Zanotta and actors Hinke-Ann Eleveld and Andy Smart after the screening.

Program:

WILD FRUITS
Bernardo Zanotta, 2024, 35min

An experimental costume drama based on the essay ‘Of Cannibals’ by French philosopher Michel de Montaigne. It recounts a series of episodes in the life of a fictional servant of Montaigne, Jean Aurand, which influenced the writing of Montaigne’s famous text. Zanotta constructs a filmic space as artificial as the stage of a theatre, and mixes therein both actors and non-actors, who through monologues, and rather absurd situations, testify to a kind of queer, postcolonial subjectivity.

LA TOUR DE MONTAIGNE
Jacques de Casembroot, 1957, 14min

Set against the backdrop of Montaigne’s idyllic castle and making use of excerpts from Montaigne’s “Essais,” the film delves into various facets of the French philosopher’s life. It begins by offering glimpses into his early years, education, and the significant friendship he shared with Ettiene de la Boétie. The narrative unfolds to encompass Montaigne’s civic responsibilities as the mayor of Bordeaux, detailing his marriage and relationships with women.

TROPICAL MALADY
Luisa Marques, 2016, 14min

A friction between two nation-building projects forged for Brazil in the mid-20th Century: one is a tropical imagery personified by the singer and actress Carmen Miranda; another one is a late modernism established in Brazil by the end of the 50’s, beginning of the 60’s, embodied in Rio de Janeiro by Flamengo Park.

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