For the 10th year Cracking the Frame returns to cinemas in The Netherlands and Belgium this September and October with documentaries about the ground-breaking photorealist painter and sculptor Audrey Flack (Queen of Hearts: Audrey Flack), and with Keith Fulton and Louis Pepe’s follow up to their first critically acclaimed film dedicated to Terry Gilliam’s seemingly impossible quest to bring his cinematic adaptation of Cervantes’ Don Quixote to life (He Dreams of Giants).
This is a bittersweet post to write in the light of a second Covid wave hitting Melbourne so hard at the moment, forcing cinemas and all other public venues to be closed for the weeks or months to come, but it’s amazing to see how popular the retrospective program dedicated to Federico Fellini organised by the Ritz Cinema in Sydney has been.
Multiple sold out screenings, with up to three extra sessions programmed on the go out of growing demand – truly astonishing, and heartwarming. Covid has certainly impacted the moviegoing experience but the appetite for cinema hasn’t faded away. There is no shortage of great films to stream at home and we’ve all been indulged since the pandemic hit but nothing beats watching films in a cinema, as a shared experience.
And what better way to celebrate the magic of cinema than in company of one of the most extraordinary filmmakers in the history of cinema? Fellini would have turned 100 in 2020, I like to think that his films will shine a light and help us through this difficult period.
As for me, I am just honored to have been invited by the Italian Cultural Institute in Sydney to introduce the program, it was an invitation I couldn’t say no to.
“Non c’è fine. Non c’è inizio. C’è solo l’infinita passione per la vita.” – Federico Fellini
Gosh, I didn’t offer much love to this blog in the last 10 months…
My last post dates 13 July and the radio silence is not due to lack of activities, it’s all my fault – blog of mine I neglected you and failed to keep you even partially up to date, my bad!
Most of my curated programs and productions have been cancelled, postponed or paused by the impact that the Covid-19 meteorite had on the cultural sectors in Australia and Europe but I will start posting regularly as soon as Cracking the Frame and my other programs will be able to be hosted again by cinemas, musea and festivals.
It seems appropriate (and hopefully auspicious) to close this post with some pics from the last KinoKonzert show of 2020, taken last March in a sold out QAGOMA in Brisbane.
A screening of ‘The Cabinet of Dr Caligari’ with an astonishing prepared piano solo soundtrack by Ashley Hribar. A packed cinema, a gifted musician, the tangible emotion of seeing a 100 year old masterpiece unfold in front of our eyes, and many inspired conversations with friends and strangers before and after the concert. How things have changed in such a short period of time but yes, also this will pass, I’m certain.
KINOKONZERT: ASHLEY HRIBAR & THE CABINET OF DR CALIGARI 1920 PG 7.00PM THU 5 MAR 2020 (1HR 14MINS) GOMA | CINEMA A | SOLD OUT Considered a quintessential work of German Expressionist cinema, The Cabinet of Dr Caligari 1920 tells the story of a deranged hypnotist who uses a somnambulist to commit murders on his behalf. Wiene’s film is widely recognized both as a precursor of psychological thriller films and a metaphor of the horror of tyrannical political power. Celebrating the centenary of its release, The Cabinet of Dr Caligari will screen from a new 4K digital restoration. It will be accompanied by Australian pianist-composer, Ashley Hribar, who will perform a newly composed soundtrack alongside the film.
KINOKONZERT: ASHLEY HRIBAR & THE CABINET OF DR CALIGARI 1920 PG 7.00PM THU 5 MAR 2020 (1HR 14MINS) GOMA | CINEMA A | SOLD OUT Considered a quintessential work of German Expressionist cinema, The Cabinet of Dr Caligari 1920 tells the story of a deranged hypnotist who uses a somnambulist to commit murders on his behalf. Wiene’s film is widely recognized both as a precursor of psychological thriller films and a metaphor of the horror of tyrannical political power. Celebrating the centenary of its release, The Cabinet of Dr Caligari will screen from a new 4K digital restoration. It will be accompanied by Australian pianist-composer, Ashley Hribar, who will perform a newly composed soundtrack alongside the film.
KINOKONZERT: ASHLEY HRIBAR & THE CABINET OF DR CALIGARI 1920 PG 7.00PM THU 5 MAR 2020 (1HR 14MINS) GOMA | CINEMA A | SOLD OUT Considered a quintessential work of German Expressionist cinema, The Cabinet of Dr Caligari 1920 tells the story of a deranged hypnotist who uses a somnambulist to commit murders on his behalf. Wiene’s film is widely recognized both as a precursor of psychological thriller films and a metaphor of the horror of tyrannical political power. Celebrating the centenary of its release, The Cabinet of Dr Caligari will screen from a new 4K digital restoration. It will be accompanied by Australian pianist-composer, Ashley Hribar, who will perform a newly composed soundtrack alongside the film.
KINOKONZERT: ASHLEY HRIBAR & THE CABINET OF DR CALIGARI 1920 PG 7.00PM THU 5 MAR 2020 (1HR 14MINS) GOMA | CINEMA A | SOLD OUT Considered a quintessential work of German Expressionist cinema, The Cabinet of Dr Caligari 1920 tells the story of a deranged hypnotist who uses a somnambulist to commit murders on his behalf. Wiene’s film is widely recognized both as a precursor of psychological thriller films and a metaphor of the horror of tyrannical political power. Celebrating the centenary of its release, The Cabinet of Dr Caligari will screen from a new 4K digital restoration. It will be accompanied by Australian pianist-composer, Ashley Hribar, who will perform a newly composed soundtrack alongside the film.
KINOKONZERT: ASHLEY HRIBAR & THE CABINET OF DR CALIGARI 1920 PG 7.00PM THU 5 MAR 2020 (1HR 14MINS) GOMA | CINEMA A | SOLD OUT Considered a quintessential work of German Expressionist cinema, The Cabinet of Dr Caligari 1920 tells the story of a deranged hypnotist who uses a somnambulist to commit murders on his behalf. Wiene’s film is widely recognized both as a precursor of psychological thriller films and a metaphor of the horror of tyrannical political power. Celebrating the centenary of its release, The Cabinet of Dr Caligari will screen from a new 4K digital restoration. It will be accompanied by Australian pianist-composer, Ashley Hribar, who will perform a newly composed soundtrack alongside the film.
Last month the KinoKonzert tour of the German silent film Der Golem with the marvellous Lucrecia Dalt reached five Australian cities, partnered with the Sydney Film Festival, the Art Gallery of New South Wales and Dark Mofo, and registered an attendance of 1.000! Some pretty amazing numbers!!
This was the sixth show of the program that I launched last year in collaboration with the Goethe Institute, with more to follow this year and next.
Here’s some pics from the show at QAGOMA in Brisbane.
KINOKONZERT: LUCRECIA DALT & DER GOLEM 3.00PM SUN 16 JUN 2019 (1HR 16MINS) GOMA | CINEMA A | TICKETED SYNOPSIS Presented in partnership with the Goethe-Institut, the Australian Cinémathèque presents the new 4K digital restoration of the German silent film Der Golem (The Golem) 1920 with a dynamic original live score by electronic musician and sound artist Lucrecia Dalt. A contemporary composer from Berlin, Dalt draws on a wealth of artistic and philosophical influences, including cinema, geotechnics, artificial intelligence, the ethics of listening and futuristic ideas. One of Germany’s most celebrated early films, Der Golem tells the ancient Jewish legend of astrologer Rabbi Loew, who creates a clay golem that he brings to life with the assistance of a demon spirit. Tickets General: $20 | Member: $15* *Valid QAGOMA membership card required
KINOKONZERT: LUCRECIA DALT & DER GOLEM 3.00PM SUN 16 JUN 2019 (1HR 16MINS) GOMA | CINEMA A | TICKETED SYNOPSIS Presented in partnership with the Goethe-Institut, the Australian Cinémathèque presents the new 4K digital restoration of the German silent film Der Golem (The Golem) 1920 with a dynamic original live score by electronic musician and sound artist Lucrecia Dalt. A contemporary composer from Berlin, Dalt draws on a wealth of artistic and philosophical influences, including cinema, geotechnics, artificial intelligence, the ethics of listening and futuristic ideas. One of Germany’s most celebrated early films, Der Golem tells the ancient Jewish legend of astrologer Rabbi Loew, who creates a clay golem that he brings to life with the assistance of a demon spirit. Tickets General: $20 | Member: $15* *Valid QAGOMA membership card required
KINOKONZERT: LUCRECIA DALT & DER GOLEM 3.00PM SUN 16 JUN 2019 (1HR 16MINS) GOMA | CINEMA A | TICKETED SYNOPSIS Presented in partnership with the Goethe-Institut, the Australian Cinémathèque presents the new 4K digital restoration of the German silent film Der Golem (The Golem) 1920 with a dynamic original live score by electronic musician and sound artist Lucrecia Dalt. A contemporary composer from Berlin, Dalt draws on a wealth of artistic and philosophical influences, including cinema, geotechnics, artificial intelligence, the ethics of listening and futuristic ideas. One of Germany’s most celebrated early films, Der Golem tells the ancient Jewish legend of astrologer Rabbi Loew, who creates a clay golem that he brings to life with the assistance of a demon spirit. Tickets General: $20 | Member: $15* *Valid QAGOMA membership card required
KINOKONZERT: LUCRECIA DALT & DER GOLEM 3.00PM SUN 16 JUN 2019 (1HR 16MINS) GOMA | CINEMA A | TICKETED SYNOPSIS Presented in partnership with the Goethe-Institut, the Australian Cinémathèque presents the new 4K digital restoration of the German silent film Der Golem (The Golem) 1920 with a dynamic original live score by electronic musician and sound artist Lucrecia Dalt. A contemporary composer from Berlin, Dalt draws on a wealth of artistic and philosophical influences, including cinema, geotechnics, artificial intelligence, the ethics of listening and futuristic ideas. One of Germany’s most celebrated early films, Der Golem tells the ancient Jewish legend of astrologer Rabbi Loew, who creates a clay golem that he brings to life with the assistance of a demon spirit. Tickets General: $20 | Member: $15* *Valid QAGOMA membership card required
KINOKONZERT: LUCRECIA DALT & DER GOLEM 3.00PM SUN 16 JUN 2019 (1HR 16MINS) GOMA | CINEMA A | TICKETED SYNOPSIS Presented in partnership with the Goethe-Institut, the Australian Cinémathèque presents the new 4K digital restoration of the German silent film Der Golem (The Golem) 1920 with a dynamic original live score by electronic musician and sound artist Lucrecia Dalt. A contemporary composer from Berlin, Dalt draws on a wealth of artistic and philosophical influences, including cinema, geotechnics, artificial intelligence, the ethics of listening and futuristic ideas. One of Germany’s most celebrated early films, Der Golem tells the ancient Jewish legend of astrologer Rabbi Loew, who creates a clay golem that he brings to life with the assistance of a demon spirit. Tickets General: $20 | Member: $15* *Valid QAGOMA membership card required
Some pics from the Australian premiere of Miraculous Trajectories. The film concert took place at the Sydney Opera House as part of Vivid Live, Sydney’s leading multidisciplinary festival. Needless to say, the premiere couldn’t have had a more prestigious stage!
“In a field where everyone predominantly used black-and-white, Belgian photographer Harry Gruyaert was the first to use color on one of the most important and influential genres in photography, photojournalism.” – Take Five
This is the story of Belgian 75 year old Magnum photographer Harry Gruyaert whose life was saved by color.
Harry grows up in a strict and traditional Catholic Flemish family. His father forbids him to become a photographer because he sees it as sinful. So he decides to leave his country and travel. Coming from a repressed and grey background he discovers the lights and color of Europe, North Africa and Asia. Driven by the irresistible desire to be a photographer, he becomes a pioneer in European color photography.
The film tells the story of a restless vagabond, a questing soul who never stops hunting for images. A man who despite all, must follow an irresistible urge to continue travelling and to discover the changes in society.
“For more than 30 years, Gruyaert documented the world in a chromatic fashion; his seriousness never lost in midst of the spectrum, instead brought more emphasis to an atmospheric grit and reality. Now a member of Magnum Photos, Gruyaert still continues to shoot in colour, asserting its existence.” Take Five
Cracking the Frame Established in 2011, Cracking the Frame is a monthly program featuring an international selection of theatrically unreleased, critically acclaimed documentary portraits of established contemporary artists, photographers, filmmakers and global thinkers. Facebook Website
“Brilliant and captivating. […] ‘The Price of Everything’ exalts in the spirt of art over commerce, yet what’s thrilling about the film — and what echoes in your mind after it’s over — is that it captures all the ways those two forces can’t be separated.” – Variety
THE PRICE OF EVERYTHING
Nathaniel Kahn
USA | 2018 | 98 min
Exploring the labyrinth of the contemporary art world, THE PRICE OF EVERYTHING examines the role of art and artistic passion in today’s money-driven, consumer-based society.
With unprecedented access to pivotal artists and the white-hot market surrounding them, THE PRICE OF EVERYTHING dives deep into the contemporary art world, holding a mirror up to our values and our times — where everything can be bought and sold.
Featuring collectors, dealers, auctioneers and a rich range of artists, from current market darlings Jeff Koons, Gerhard Richter and Njideka Akunyili Crosby, to one-time art star Larry Poons, the film exposes deep contradictions as it holds a mirror up to contemporary values and times, coaxing out the dynamics at play in pricing the priceless.
“Nathaniel Kahn’s film beautifully navigates subjects as heady as the nature of art itself.” – POV Magazine
“Nathaniel Kahn lets the contemporary-art market shoot itself in the pedicured foot. But not everything worth saying needs to be articulated in this highly polished documentary-a beautiful piece of representational art, as it happens.” – Wall Street Journal
“‘The Price of Everything’ reveals how the $400-million sausage is made, how capitalism has turned art from idea into inventory.” – LA Time
“A fascinating film, as educational as it is entertaining.” – The Gate
Cracking the Frame Established in 2011, Cracking the Frame is a monthly program featuring an international selection of theatrically unreleased, critically acclaimed documentary portraits of established contemporary artists, photographers, filmmakers and global thinkers. Facebook Website
The international premiere of my first Chinese-Australian project Miraculous Trajectories will take place on the 29th of March in Hong Kong as part of Art Basel HK!
Needless to say that Cheng, Shao and I are thrilled!!!
With the most sincere thanks to M+ for making this happen.
“A pop-culture outsider gets his colorful due.” – Hollywood Reporter
BEING FRANK: THE CHRIS SIEVEY STORY
Steve Sullivan
UK | 2018 | 105 min
Benelux premiere
Steve Sullivan’s debut feature documentary BEING FRANK: THE CHRIS SIEVEY STORY tells a twisted tale of split personalities.
The film explores the extraordinary secret life of artist Chris Sievey, best known as his alter ego Frank Sidebottom, the maverick Manchester comedian in a papier mâché head.
Chris Sievey was a songwriter, artist, comedian and wayward genius. A man whose life was a fantastic, subversive piece of performance art.His greatest creation, the mysterious Frank Sidebottom becomes a star – a manic, insane, mercurial star who obscures his own creator – playing at Wembley Stadium, getting his TV show and building an army of fans.
Chris grows to resent his creation and descends into alcoholism and bankruptcy, but his genius cannot survive without ‘Being Frank’. So Chris devises a master plan…
In his fascinating documentary Steve Sullivan reconstructs the life of Sievey through interview with the people who knew him and through extraordinary access to Sievey’s private archive.
Lenny Abrahamson’s feature film FRANK was inspired by Sievey’s life.
“A wonderful ode to the unique mind and artistry that birthed Frank Sidebottom” – Glide Magazine
““Being Frank” has the fascination of an enduring pop footnote, and it could be the kind of cult film that “Frank” wasn’t.” – Variety
“I was thoroughly entertained and moved by this documentary. I highly recommend it.” – Susan Sarandon
Cracking the Frame Established in 2011, Cracking the Frame is a monthly program featuring an international selection of theatrically unreleased, critically acclaimed documentary portraits of established contemporary artists, photographers, filmmakers and global thinkers. Facebook Website
“An extraordinary portrait of a generation.” – FilmExplorer
A LONG WAY HOME
Luc Schaedler Switzerland | 2018 | 73min
Benelux premiere
A Long Way Home takes us on a fascinating journey into both the grim days of recent Chinese history and the dazzling cultural scene in present-day China.
Directed by award-winning Swiss filmmaker Luc Schaedler (Angry Monk – Reflections on Tibet, Watermarks – Three Letters from China), this fascinating film follows five of the most significant representatives of contemporary Chinese arts: avant-garde visual artists the Gao Brothers, modern-dance choreographer Wen Hui, subversive animator Pi San and poet Ye Fu.
With bravery and subversive wit, they each shed light on the social problems in their country from their unique perspective. What they share is a struggle to come to terms with their respective pasts, all scarred by the violence and oppression that accompanied the democracy movement of 1989. Through their own unique artistic practices these five renowned artists question which values determine our cultural identity, and in what kind of world we wish to live.
“An entertaining and moving plea for human solidarity.” – Filmbulletin
“An impressive film facing the sadness of the past and the headlessness of the present with empathy, fantasy and solidarity.” – Film21
Cracking the Frame Established in 2011, Cracking the Frame is a monthly program featuring an international selection of theatrically unreleased, critically acclaimed documentary portraits of established contemporary artists, photographers, filmmakers and global thinkers. Facebook Website
Christian Pazzaglia 