Harun Farocki: images of the world

(Bilder der Welt)

Le P’tit Ciné, Bozar Cinema, Argos, Cinéma Nova, and the Goethe Institute are all joining forces to pay homage to the work of Harun Farocki. Since 1966, the German filmmaker, writer, and artist has directed more than 100 productions for film and television, in addition to his many exhibitions. His documentary essays, which are often innovative and experimental, reflect on the relationship between war, economics, politics, social space, armament, the media, and the influence of images. Argos is presenting the exhibition “Side by Side”, reprising five video installations for two screens. Cinéma Nova and Bozar Cinema are screening a selection of films and videos. Here are some examples to give you an idea. Farocki says the following about Bilder der Welt (1989): “A woman is photographed immediately after her arrival at Auschwitz. The SS camp is planning to kill her. The photographer who captured her beauty is also a member of the SS. Preservation and destruction are opposed in a field of tension. What’s to be done with such images?”

(Videogramme einer Revolution)

Videogramme einer Revolution (1992) is a montage film that places the Romanian Revolution, and what cameras filmed of it, in perspective. Single (1979) presents a derisive perspective on every stage in the process of making an album. For Nicht ohne Risiko (2004), Farocki filmed venture capital firms discussing projects; entrepreneurs trying to make their ideas concrete; consultants preparing presentations. The film reveals the investors’ greed, and depicts the extent to which companies today are pressured to be permanently innovative.

Harun Farocki: Side by Side (exhibition): 21/4 > 30/6, wo/me/We > zo/di/Su 11 > 18.00, €3/5, ARGOS, www.argosarts.org - Film screenings: 17 > 28/4, Cinéma Nova, www.nova-cinema.org & BOZAR, www.bozar.be