14TH EDITION
21 — 29.03.18 | LEUVEN WWW.DOCVILLE.BE
CATALOG
THE SON OF KING BAUDUOIN OF BELGIUM
ME JANE, YOU CHIMP
FACEBOOK’S CLEANING TEAM
THE HOLY GRAIL OF GREEN ENERGY
A SURGEON WITH A MISSON ... AND A JACKHAMMER
THE CURSE OF THE MAN WHO SEES UFO’S
TWO MEN LOOKING FOR FIRE
WHAT TO DO AFTER #METOO
FILTHY RICH
NEONAZI, YOUTUBESTAR AND MAMA’S BOY
TICK TOCK TICK ... BOOM!
HOMO SAPIENS ROBOTICA 1
INDEX COMPETITION & JURY...................................................................................... 3 NATIONAL SELECTION
A Lesson in Faith......................................................................................................................... 5 Ceres..................................................................................................................................................... 6 De Geschiedenis van het Varken (in ons) The History of the Pig (within us).................................................................................. 7 Enfants Du Hasard.................................................................................................................... 8 I’m New Here.................................................................................................................................. 9 Imposed Piece...........................................................................................................................10 Ni Juge, Ni Soumise..............................................................................................................11 Rabot..................................................................................................................................................12 Reset..................................................................................................................................................13 Zie Mij Doen | Watch Me..................................................................................................14
INTERNATIONAL SELECTION
Brimstone & Glory...................................................................................................................16 Dreaming Murakami............................................................................................................. 17 Generation Wealth.................................................................................................................18 I Am Another You......................................................................................................................19 Piripkura..........................................................................................................................................20 Snelwegkerk | Highway Confessions.....................................................................21 The Bastard..................................................................................................................................22 The Night........................................................................................................................................23 The Rebel Surgeon................................................................................................................. 24 The Stranger................................................................................................................................25
ARTIST IN FOCUS: ERIK GANDINI
Surplus............................................................................................................................................. 27 The Rebel Surgeon.................................................................................................................28 The Swedish Theory of Love...........................................................................................29 Videocracy.....................................................................................................................................30
CONSCIENCE
A Better Man................................................................................................................................32 Eating Animals...........................................................................................................................33 Golden Dawn Girls..................................................................................................................34 The Cleaners...............................................................................................................................35 The Deminer................................................................................................................................36 The Judge....................................................................................................................................... 37 The White World According to Daliborek.............................................................38 This Is Congo...............................................................................................................................39
SCIENCE DOCS
AlphaGo........................................................................................................................................... 41 Cyborgs Among Us..................................................................................................................42 Kwantumrevolutie | Quantum Revolution.........................................................43 Let There Be Light...................................................................................................................44 More Human than Human...............................................................................................45 Photon...............................................................................................................................................46 Right Between Your Ears................................................................................................... 47 The Farthest.................................................................................................................................48
EXPO.......................................................................................................................................... 49 SPECTRUM
69 Minutes of 86 Days.......................................................................................................52 Curse of the Man Who Sees UFO’s..........................................................................53 Doof Kind | Deaf Child.......................................................................................................54 Etgar Keret: Based on a True Story..........................................................................55 Ex-Libris...........................................................................................................................................56 Leuven ‘68.................................................................................................................................... 57 Lots of Kids, a Monkey and a Castle......................................................................58 Love Means Zero.....................................................................................................................59 Maria by Callas..........................................................................................................................60 Michel – acteur verliest de woorden...................................................................... 61 Mountain........................................................................................................................................62 Nokia Mobile: We Were Connecting People.....................................................63 Our New President.................................................................................................................64 Spettacolo......................................................................................................................................65 Trophy................................................................................................................................................66 Unrest................................................................................................................................................67 Visages, Villages.......................................................................................................................68
MOCK THE DOC
A Story for the Modlins.......................................................................................................70 Het Verdriet Van Boudewijn............................................................................................ 71 Wien is ‘t Hof van Commerce........................................................................................72
LEUVEN JAZZ @ DOCVILLE
Ethiopiques: Revolt of the Soul................................................................................... 74 Juul’s Ears..................................................................................................................................... 74 Misha Enzovoort....................................................................................................................... 74
APES, CATS AND DOCS
Earth: One Amazing Day.................................................................................................... 76 Jane.....................................................................................................................................................77 Kedi.....................................................................................................................................................78
SHORT DOCUMENTARIES
1997: Birth of the Camera Phone.............................................................................80 Clean Hands................................................................................................................................ 81 Education.......................................................................................................................................82 Kish.....................................................................................................................................................83 Listen.................................................................................................................................................84 No Jail Time..................................................................................................................................85 Personal Truth............................................................................................................................86 The Chaperone.......................................................................................................................... 87 The Talk – True Stories About The Birds & The Bees................................88 Twisted..............................................................................................................................................89
DOCVILLE @ CANVAS.................................................................................... 93 ACTIVITIES FOR PROFESSIONALS......................................... 96 PRACTICAL INFORMATION.................................................................. 98
2
COMPETITION AND JURY
1
2
3
4
5
6 1
7
8
9
AWARD CEREMONY AND CLOSING FILM
JURY NATIONAL SELECTION
JURY INTERNATIONAL SELECTION
JURY CON-SCIENCE
Thu March 29th (20:00) in ZED–Vesalius
1. LEEN ENGELEN(BE) is a film and media historian. She teaches film and animation film students at LUCA School of Arts (Belgium). She is also part of the teaching team of the Docnomads master program in documentary film directing.
4. TOM BLEYAERT graduated as master in Politics and Social Science from the University Ghent. Started working for the national broadcaster VRT in 2000. Since 2001 he is responsible for the purchase of international documentaries for CANVAS.
7. BART MAES (BE) From sound engineer, cameraman and trouble shooter to globetrotter, director and creator of author documentaries: Bart was involved in the making of numerous ( 100+) author driven films and founded his own production company ZON*DER_LING.
The winners of the competition will be announced at the Award Ceremony in presence of the jury, followed by the screening of the film Mountain and a reception. The DOCVILLE jury hands out 3 awards: • The Jury Award for Best International Documentary. Purchase prize by CANVAS. Nominees: all films from the international selection. • The Jury Award for Best National Documentary. Prize donated by SABAM for Culture. Nominees: all films from the national selection • The Con-Science Award. 1.500€ cash prize by DOCVILLE. Nominees: all films from the ConScience selection. The audience awards their favourite film with the DOCVILLE Audience Award. Nominees: all international films from the different programs
2. CHRISTOPHER QUIN (BE) is an awarded Film director, writer, and producer. His film God Grew Tired of Us (2006) won numerous prizes. In 2007, Quinn was awarded the emerging documentary filmmaker award by the International Documentary Association. His latest film – Eating Animals – is shown at DOCVILLE.
3. WARD VERRYCKEN (BE) is a movie reporter for Belgian public broadcaster VRT. Claims he remembers only things that happen in movies.
5. NEASA NÍ CHIANÁIN (IE) is an Irish documentary filmmaker, best known for her 2016 film In Loco Parentis/School Life which premiered at IDFA and Sundance Film Festival and won the Jury Prize of Best International Documentary at DOCVILLE 2017. Since 2006, Neasa has been co-director of the Guth Gafa International Documentary Film Festival. 6. DANIEL CROSS (CA) is the Founder of Eyesteelfilm in Montreal and Associate Professor and previous Chair of the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, Concordia University in Montreal. A multi-disciplined award-winning filmmaker with a long history of directing and producing theatrical documentaries as well as interactive documentary approaches.
8. MARTIN HORYNA (CZ) is a Member of the Program Department at the Karlovy Vary IFF which is held annually in July in the Czech Republic, where he is programming documentaries. Previously he worked as a film journalist and critic.
9. ANNA VAN DER WEE (NL) is producer and director, head of Wild Heart Productions. Van der Wee has produced for more than 20 years award winning, relevant and compelling documentaries which have played in theatres and been bought by broadcasters from around the world. 3
NATIONAL SELECTION The 10 very best Belgian documentaries of the past year, both Dutch and French productions. Featuring impressive debuts as well as new work by the experienced directors who made the legendary RTBF program Strip-tease. The DOCVILLE jury rewards the winner with the Jury Award. 4
Director ChloÊ Andries, Aline Capelle Country Belgium, France Year 2017 Runtime 1u07 Editor Fred Fichefet, Corine Bachy Cinematography Aline Capelle, Emilie Colin Production Les Films du Nord, François Ladsous, Serge Kestemont, Arnaud Demuynck Contact information Natacha Cadart Les Films du Nord 27 avenue Jean Lebas 59100 Roubaix France P +33 3 20 111 130 E info@lesfilmsdunord.com
A LESSON IN FAITH In the north of France, a Catholic boarding school currently has two hundred pupils. They are all different; from devout children to sulking teenagers who look at their environment and upbringing with the necessary skepticism. The religious teachers are enthusiastic and accept everyone, even the critical documentary team of a former pupil ... After twenty years, documentary filmmaker Aline Capelle returns to her old school. At this boarding school she forged friendships, learned to understand the world and developed her mind. The nuns who teach at the school were great, warm and helpful, but of course their teaching package contained a strongly religiously colored worldview. As an adult,
Capelle brings both a personal ode to the heroines of yesteryear as well as a critical reflection on religious education, and the freedom, love and fear that accompany life at a Catholic boarding school. A Lesson in Faith seems to be the economic and spiritual counterpart of Enfants du Hasard (see also in the Belgian competition). While the latter focuses on the ups and downs of a village school and its many students with a migrant background, this documentary portrays a fancy boarding school with monocultural students. This also translates into their upbringing. Is the focus on Christian faith merely an enrichment? Capelle does not shy away from the paradoxes and provides an intelligent insight into boarding school life with the necessary nuance.
5
Director Janet van den Brand Country Belgium Year 2018 Runtime 1u13 Editor Sam Sermon Cinematography Timothy Wennekes Production Diplodokus, Maarten Bernaerts Contact information An De Winter Dalton Distribution A. Vesaliusstraat 9c 3000 Leuven Belgium P +32 16 67 92 46 E an@daltondistribution.be
CERES Ceres tells the story of four children growing up on farms in a remote part of Zeeland. This visually stunning piece of tactile cinema is both a poetic sketch of life in the countryside and a naturalistic view of growing up in isolation. Koen, Daan, Sven and Jeanine; four young Zeeland teenagers with big dreams, all work on their parents’ farms. The seasons pass, crops are sown and harvested, animals are born and slaughtered. The cycles of sowing and harvesting determine their view of the world. Each in their own way they all dream of continuing the farm life; a deep-seated dream that is never questioned. But little by little their view begins to become broader and more complex and gradually they become more
curious about what lies beyond the fields. They all have to learn to deal with their own changing world view, as well as with external influences. With time, the dream of life as a farmer becomes less obvious than it once was. The survival of the family business depends on this new generation. But what about their own dreams and desires? The young protagonists are at a crucial stage in their lives, in which the relationship between man and nature is more than ever externalized.
6
Director Jan Vromman Country Belgium Year 2017 Runtime 2u02 Editor Lawrence Paul Foley, Guido Welkenhuysen Cinematography Jonathan Wannyn Production Cobra Films, Daniël De Valck, Anne Deligne Contact information Cobra Films E. Bockstaellaan 88 1020 Brussels Belgium P +32 2 544 19 69 E contact@cobra-films.be
DE GESCHIEDENIS VAN HET VARKEN (IN ONS)
THE HISTORY OF THE PIG (WITHIN US)
Pigs have had a close connection to humans since prehistoric times. Over the centuries, stories, rules and legends have given the animal a profound meaning. It is a symbol of uncleanness, for the ‘beast’ hidden inside of us, a source of food, a bone of contention in discussions. This animal signifies both passion and rejection. And that says a lot about mankind. How we deal with pigs throughout history reveals a lot about mankind. Filmmaker and storyteller Jan Vromman undertakes a journey that starts in his childhood and his birthplace and that takes him across the world, from Spain to China, and through history. He visits a lab, a physics museum, a slaughterhouse, a bio farm, pig farms, an imaginary
museum of the pig, a meat processing factory, a hunting ground. The intimate accompanies the universal. Director Jan Vromman was born in Wingene, a village with more pigs than people. Due to a lack of agricultural areas, people focused on livestock farming. He grew up among pigs and the animals have always fascinated him. In his philosophical documentary The History of the Pig he investigates the deep bond between man and pig.
7
Director Thierry Michel, Pascal Colson Country Belgium Year 2017 Runtime 1u40 Editor Idriss Gabel, Sébastien Dewalque Cinematography Thierry Michel, Pascal Colson Production Les Films de la Passerelle, Christine Pireaux, Thierry Michel Contact information François Dombret Les Films de la Passerelle 62, rue de Renory 4031 Liège Belgium P + 32 43 42 36 02 E films@passerelle.be
ENFANTS DU HASARD In the Cheratte district of Liège, near the old coal mines, most students in the village school have a migration background. For the 11-year-old students of Miss Brigitte, the big world starts to beckon. A heart-warming fly-on-the-wall portrait of a super teacher. For a whole school year we follow the class of Miss Brigitte. She pays a lot of attention to the way her students develop their own identities, with all due respect for their background. Especially after the attacks of 22 March, the children ask themselves and each other questions about faith, the future and tolerance. Nothing can temper their impetuous zest for life. It is up to their inspiring teacher to guide them in the right direction.
Enfants du Hasard seems to have some similarities with the Dutch gem De Kinderen van Juf Kiet. After all, both films revolve around amazing teachers and their mostly immigrant pupils. In this Walloon documentary, however, these pupils are not children of refugees but second or third generation migrants. Their search for a place in society is fortunately often heart-warming, not in the least thanks to the help of the teacher.
8
Director Bram Van Paesschen Country Belgium Year 2017 Runtime 1u30 Editor Dieter Diependaele Cinematography Emmanuel Gras & Carl Rottiers Production Savage Film, Bart Van Langendonck Contact information Savage Film Opzichterstraat 70/7 1080 Brussels Belgium P +32 2 711 42 91 E info@savagefilm.be
I’M NEW HERE A unique look behind the scenes of the new economic relationship between the African continent and China. Is Tian Xiu the umpteenth Eldorado for Africans that will lead to nothing? A fresh look at globalization and migration from an unprecedented point of view. Tian Xiu: for decades it has been the Eldorado for masses of African migrants who try their luck in this city. Some adapt at an unusual speed: they learn the language, build relationships, earn money and survive. Others struggle with the constantly changing Chinese laws that make life difficult for them. And then there are the obstacles of miscommunication and racism – whether or not overt – in this country that has no tradition with migration waves from outside its borders.
9
Director Brecht Vanhoenacker Country Belgium Year 2017 Runtime 1u14 Editor Dieter Diependaele Cinematography Maximiliaan Dierickx Production Caviar, Eva Van Riet Contact information Alexandra Jans Caviar Liersesteenweg 38E 2800 Mechelen Belgium P +32 473 479 670 E alexandra.jans@caviar.tv
IMPOSED PIECE The Queen Elisabeth Competition is as majestic as the name suggests. We follow the 12 finalists during the 8 days they are given to practice a piece written especially for them – in complete isolation. A beautiful and delicate film that honors the tasteful character of the competition. In 2015 the triennial violin competition took place. In Imposed Piece we follow the twelve finalists who study hard in a music chapel for eight days. Their isolation is complete, not even mobile phones are allowed. The documentary records the strict discipline but also the (hidden) uncertainties of the candidates. The main breaking point was the imposed piece of this edition. Aussi Peu Que Les Nuages by the com-
poser Michael Jarrell with its ‘many notes and a very fast tempo’ does not exactly provide any relief for the candidates. Thanks to its beautiful photography, this documentary honors the tasteful character of the competition. It deals intelligently with the enormous physical efforts of the participants, as well as the satisfaction they derive from playing. While classical music with its stately customs can come across to outsiders as cold, these finalists show their most vulnerable and passionate side.
10
Director Jean Libon, Yves Hinant Country Belgium, France Year 2017 Runtime 1u39 Editor Françoise Tourmen Cinematography Didier Hill-Derive Production Le Bureau Contact information Arnaud de Haan Cinéart Rue de Namur 72-74, Bte 8, 3e étage 1000 Brussels Belgium P +32 2 245 87 00 E arnaud@cineart.be
NI JUGE NI SOUMISE Brussels judge Anne Gruwez: frank, straightforward, (unintentionally) funny. Her unique style bears witness to a strict vision, but also suggests compliance and a brilliant instinctual insight into the situations of her defendants. However witty and straightforward Gruwez appears, she looks at every case separately. Her politically incorrect remarks always serve a purpose and have an obvious effect on many suspects. The camera is a fly on the wall while she judges strictly but fairly. In her daily life, Gruwez appears to be just as eccentric and entertaining. The camera sees her driving around in a battered Beetle and affectionately playing with her tame pet rat. A character that is hard to forget, with a combination of
idealism and philanthropy hidden under a tough exterior. In the eighties, Jean Libon and Yves Hinant already caused a furore with the documentary television series Strip-Tease. They followed Gruwez for three years for their first real feature film debut and the result is nothing short of amazing. The situations are so hilarious and absurd that there was a lot of debate about the truthfulness of the film at many international festivals. Did the creators simply have a lot of luck and patience or is the character of Gruwez too good to be true? It is up to the viewer to pass his verdict. Q&A with judge Anne Gruwez.
11
Director Christina Vandekerckhove Country Belgium Year 2017 Runtime 1u33 Editor Jan Van der Weken Cinematography Frank Schulte Production Inti Films, Peter KrĂźger Contact information An De Winter Dalton Distribution A. Vesaliusstraat 9C 3000 Leuven Belgium P + 32 16 679 246 E an@daltondistribution.be
RABOT A social housing block that is being knocked down and the story of the people who lived there. With cinematographic virtuosity and story-technical mastery, the director of this film creates a must-see cinema experience. Rabot tells the story of a social housing block that is being torn down. People looking for a way out of their misery come here to jump off the roof. People who did not find a place to call home anywhere else ended up here. The tall blocks are a small village where indifference reigns supreme. Both the residents and the building have to disappear, the end of a turbulent era. We follow a number of residents during the last months of their lives in the residential tower. A story about love, loneli-
ness and poverty in the heart of our Western society. The feature film debut of director Christina Vandekerckhove premiered at the Ghent Film Festival and won the Audience Award. It is not the first time that a documentary has won the Audience Award in Ghent, but it is the first time that a Flemish documentary has done so. Rabot is much more than a Ghent get-together: the film is a powerful and dignified portrait of poverty, told with compassion and honesty; shot in beautiful frames, but without frills. The intense score of Stijn Ylode De Gezelle and Madensuyu, lift the film to an even higher level.
12
Director Sien Versteyhe, Lieven Corthouts Country Belgium Year 2018 Runtime 1u30 Contact information Bram Versteyhe Lionheart Productions Schuurstraat 74a 103 9040 Sint Amandsberg Belgium P +32 485 65 18 08 E bram@lionheart.be
RESET Nathalie is a young mother diagnosed with breast cancer. She stays upbeat during her treatment. 8-year old Ilyan, who has a rare intestinal disorder, does not give up either. It is Ilyan’s dream to eat French fries one day. An avant-premiere of 2 episodes of a CANVAS series that will soon be the talk of the town. Reset is a 6-part documentary series - with an extensive web platform that will support the television broadcasts on CANVAS. The series features people who have experienced a big setback and who are trying to get their lives back on track and to reset them, with the support of the people around them. Moving and inspiring stories about doubt and
setbacks, but also about hope, desire and happiness, on the most vulnerable moments of life. Stories about the resilience in each of us. CANVAS is presenting this new series at DOCVILLE.
13
Director Klara Van Es Country Belgium Year 2018 Runtime 1u20 Production Cassette for timescapes, Emmy Oost Cinematography Kris Van de Voorde Editor Leen Anthonissen Music Jef Neve Contact information An De Winter Dalton Distribution A. Vesaliusstraat 9c 3000 Leuven Belgium P +32 16 67 92 46 E an@daltondistribution.be
ZIE MIJ DOEN WATCH ME Monnikenheide is an organization that has been offering help and shelter to people with intellectual disabilities for over 45 years. During one year, documentary maker Klara Van Es followed six of the residents. A subdued, deeply human portrait in beautiful black and white. Sadly, people with an intellectual disability are still given pitying looks when they walk around town. And don’t think, as resident Jessica shares in this film, that they are not painfully aware of that fact. The documentary and its main characters want to offer something different by explicitly addressing the stares: “Watch me.”
Klara Van Es already made the very moving Lost in the Memory Palace, in which she followed people with Alzheimer’s. Rather than trying to copy that success, she wants to use this new project to comment on how society looks at people with intellectual disabilities, and the consequences this has on their lives. She did not start this project on a whim. First, she volunteered for years at Monnikenheide before she involved the camera crew. The personal bond that she built up with the residents during that time – just like the characters – radiates from the screen.
14
INTERNATIONAL SELECTION Out of the many submissions and countless discoveries at international festivals we selected these 10 brand new documentaries. All of them are challenging films in which you can clearly hear the voice of the director. The DOCVILLE jury rewards the winner with the Canvas Jury Award. 15
Director Viktor Jakovleski Country Mexico, United States Year 2017 Runtime 1u07 Editor Affonso Gonรงalves Cinematography Tobias von dem Borne Production Cinereach Productions, Kellen Quinn, Elizabeth Lodge Stepp, Dan Janvey, Affonso Goncalves, Benh Zeitlin Contact information Alice Dutrut Mongrel Media USA P +1 416-516-9775 E alice.d@mongrelmedia.com
BRIMSTONE & GLORY The Mexican town of Tultepec is known for its spectacular fireworks. Every year it solidifies its reputation by putting on a huge and breathtaking festival. A visual spectacle, produced by and featuring music by Benh Zeitlin, the man behind Beasts of the Southern Wild. In Europe, we associate fireworks with nightly parties, visual spectacle and a healthy dose of risk taking. The inhabitants of Tultepec are familiar with all those ingredients, albeit on a much larger scale. The whole town is crazy about the phenomenon and all the inhabitants look forward to the annual festival. To organize another successful edition, huge risks are taken, often resulting in severe burns or even amputations. The documentary tries to explain how and why the inhabitants
are capable of such sacrifices, not by showing boring interviews, but by following the driven Mexicans during the lengthy preparations and especially during their annual high mass. Fireworks have never looked so impressive on the silver screen!
16
This film will be preceded by the short film Education (20 min.)
Director Nitesh Anjaan Country Denmark Year 2017 Runtime 58 min. Editor Denniz Göl Bertelsen, Nikoline Løgstrup Cinematography Agabi Triantafillidis Production Final Cut for Real, Pernille Tornøe Frederiksen, Signe Byrge Sørensen Contact information Anne Marie Kürstein Danish Film Institute Gothersgade 55 1123 Copenhagen Denmark P +45 4041 4697 E kurstein@dfi.dk
DREAMING MURAKAMI Mette Holm, who is the Danish translator of Haruki Murakami, struggles to translate his latest novel. Suddenly a two meter-high frog appears in the Japanese subway. The animal begins to follow Holm in this visual representation of the unique position of a translator in relation to a writer and his literary work. As his translator, Mette Holm feels a great responsibility towards the work of Murakami. She can argue for hours with colleagues about a single word, and tries her best to convey Japanese thoughts and philosophies to a Western audience. Her connection to his work is incredibly strong. This documentary visualizes the relationship by injecting elements from Murakami’s fiction into Holm’s daily life: dream and
reality merge as talking animals help the translator to understand the meaning of her life. By highlighting this undervalued profession, the film reveals a new side of the artistic process. Holm realizes all too well how much Murakami depends on her work to reach the Danish reader. The mix of doubt and fascination about her subject is aptly translated into a side plot about the Frog, but the surreal images of Tokyo speak volumes.
17
Director Lauren Greenfield Country USA Year 2018 Runtime 1u46 Editor Victor Livingston, Dan Marks, Aaron Wickenden Cinematography Shana Hagan Production Amazon Studios, Candescent Films, Evergreen Pictures Contact information Luke Brawley Dogwoof 19-23 Ironmonger Row EC1V 3QN London UK P +44 2072536244 E luke@dogwoof.com
GENERATION WEALTH What is it like to grow up extremely rich? Documentary filmmaker Lauren Greenfield, who grew up in a very privileged family, revisits her equally well-off childhood friends and classmates, wondering whether money really does buy happiness. A billionaire has been voted president and everyone wants to keep up with the Kardashians. Where does our fascination with the rich and famous come from? After mercilessly revealing the exuberant building plans of one megalomaniac billionaire couple in The Queen of Versailles, Lauren Greenfield now aims her camera at obscene wealth in general. She has been photographing rich teenagers for decades and knows their shortcomings and problems through and through. She
remains attracted to their lifestyle, even neglecting her own family as a result. Generation Wealth is both a career overview and a wake-up call. After all, as is said early in the film, ominously: “Societies collect the most wealth when they are facing destruction.� Mankind has never been richer, as Greenfield shows by featuring the most diverse characters. In addition to her personal confessions, ex-pornstars pour their hearts out, while exiled hedge fund investors dream of a return to the US, where golden toilet seats await. As a viewer you laugh at the eccentricity, but you also catch yourself feeling a hint of jealousy.
18
Director Nanfu Wang Country USA Year 2017 Runtime 1u22 Editor Nanfu Wang Cinematography Nanfu Wang, Michael Shade Production Little Horse Crossing the River Inc., Hard Working Movies, Nanfu Wang, Lori Cheatle Contact information Leeya Mor Cinephil 18 Levontin Street 6511207 Tel Aviv Israel P +972 3 566 4129 E leeya@cinephil.com
I AM ANOTHER YOU There is something about adventurer and ‘voluntary bum’ Dylan. He may be homeless, but everywhere he goes he is offered places to sleep, food, money … Director Nanfu Wang also is fascinated by this handsome, engaging but complex man and decides to live with him on the street. Chinese Nanfu meets Dylan for the first time in a hostel in Florida. They are very different: Nanfu managed to outgrow a life of poverty and traveled to America in search of a better future, with 3 master degrees. Dylan quit school and left the middle class family he grew up in. By describing Dylan’s life in a sharp and sometimes naïve way, Nanfu investigates the concept of freedom, as it is perceived in Western
society. When Nanfu finds Dylan again two years later, she discovers another side to his story. This side makes her look at their adventures together completely differently. A road movie and detective story rolled into one. This very talented documentary filmmaker ended up on the shortlist of the Oscars for Best Documentary with her 2016 film Hooligan Sparrow.
19
Director Renata Terra, Bruno Jorge, Mariana Oliva Country Brazil Year 2017 Runtime 1u21 Editor Renata Terra, Leopoldo Nakata Cinematography Bruno Jorge, Dado Carlin Production Mariana Oliva Contact information Luisa Campos Synapse / Aggregator Media LLC Brazil E luisacampos@synapse.com.br
PIRIPKURA To preserve the protected status of a piece of rainforest, it must be proven that it is still inhabited by the Indian tribe Piripkura. Currently, only two members of the tribe live there, in a nomadic way. Their main possession is a torch lit in 1998 that has remained lit ever since. Then the flame goes out ... PakyĂŽ and Tamandua are the only two remaining members of the Piripkura, who still live in the rainforest in a nomadic way. Their area is increasingly surrounded by sawmills and farms, that want to expand further. In order to maintain the protected status of their piece of rainforest, it must be proven that the two Indians are still alive. That is why Jair Candor heads into the jungle every so many years, looking for the
two men. His film crew tries to prove their existence by making this film. That the Amazon region is beautiful to shoot has of course been known for some time. But Piripkura also shows the tragedy of the indigenous peoples and the systematic violence against them. The threat is constantly present in the background. Despite the admirable resilience and intransigence of the last Piripkura, the inevitable question lingers in the air: how much longer? The torch Tamandua carries with him gradually becomes a metaphor for the extinction of that same culture, and the role the civilized world with all its technology plays in both its decline and continued existence. Piripkura won the Human Rights Award at IDFA.
20
This film will be preceded by the short film Clean Hands (9 min.)
Director Elsbeth Fraanje Country The Netherlands Year 2017 Runtime 53 min. Editor Ralf Verbeek Cinematography Wilko van Oosterhout Production Tangerine Tree, IKONdocs, Nienke Korthof, Willem Baptist Contact information Nienke Korthof Tangerine Tree Schieweg 202 C2 3038 BM Rotterdam The Netherlands P +31 (06) 14 54 72 60 E info@tangerinetree.nl
SNELWEGKERK HIGHWAY CONFESSIONS A loving, at times funny and visually delicious mosaic film about churches in a very unlikely place: along the German motorways, crammed between fast food restaurants and petrol stations. An unexpected place for intimate confessions. A highway church: ‘a Christian church in the vicinity of a motorway, which is specially equipped for temporary reflection and for the motorist to pause and think’. In times when churches attract fewer and fewer souls, these small chapels welcome about 2 million visitors a year.
ers, and also the cleaning ladies who can’t help judging the messages people have written in the ‘wish books’. Both believers and non-believers are covered and show the soothing effect these churches can have on people in search of comfort, a listening ear and happiness. Fraanje’s portrait results in a loving mix of stories of passion and love, but also of fear and everyday grind. The sophisticated cinematography and sound design wrap these stories in an intimate and mysterious atmosphere.
Director Elsbeth Fraanje puts the spotlight on all kinds of people: the local people who take care of the chapels as well as passing travel-
21
Director Floris-Jan van Luyn Country The Netherlands Year 2018 Runtime 1u24 Editor Gys Zevenbergen Cinematography Stef Tijdink Production Een van de jongens, Hasse van Nunen, Renko Douze Contact information Renko Douze Een van de Jongens De Kempenaerstraat 11B 1051 CJ Amsterdam The Netherlands P +31 20 894 36 28 E renko@eenvandejongens.nl
THE BASTARD One day, a Frisian bicycle mechanic gets the unlikely message that he has an Ethiopian half-brother. His name is Daniel and he is on death row in Addis Ababa. This news is the starting point of a disconcerting family history, and of a compelling film about resentment and disappointment, the craving for recognition and the urge for reconciliation. Daniel is convinced that he would have had a better, crime-free life if his father had not left at the age of three. His Dutch father, however, wants nothing to do with his son, who ended up on death row in Addis Ababa. A DNA test joined these two men forever, though and it turns out that they have more in common than they ever thought.
Floris-Jan van Luyn is both a director and a writer and The Bastard is not his first achievement. In 2011 he won the prize for best Science Conscience documentary for Rainmakers. His later documentary Diary of a Homing Pigeon told the story of a carrier pigeon from the unique narrative perspective of a pigeon. Talking about the film, Luyn said that he does not necessarily stick to reality, but brings a mix of reality and documentary. He uses this style in The Bastard too by looking for the story behind reality. Daniel makes an ultimate attempt to get in touch with his father and to make peace with the past. Q&A with director Floris-Jan van Luyn on 22.03.
22
This film will be preceded by the short film The Chaperone (13 min.)
Director Steffan Strandberg Country Norway Year 2017 Runtime 1u03 Editor Vårin Andersen, Erik Andersson, Dan Korneli Cinematography Magnus Borge, Olav Strandberg, Lars Erlend Tubaas Øymo Production Eric Goossens, Anton Roebben, Carsten Aanonsen Contact information Maëlle Guenegues Cat & Docs 18 rue Quincampoix #133 75004 Paris France P +33 1 44 61 77 48 E maelle@catndocs.com
THE NIGHT In this autobiographical film, Norwegian Steffan Strandberg dives deep into his past, looking for memories of his alcohol-addicted mother. An intimate film beautifully illustrated with animation and archive footage - about a crucial night in what looks like an idyllic Norwegian village. The memories Strandberg is looking for largely revolve around a decisive night during his childhood. A night that would forever change his life and his brother’s life. The more he digs through his memories, the more questions arise about his mother’s love. Was there love? And could he, in his turn, love his mother? In his previous film Heaven Behind The House, Strandberg also discussed his mother’s death and this time
refined it into a visual puzzle that connects his youth, represented by archive footage and animation, with who he is now. The director already has a number of short films and a mini-documentary series on his list of achievements. Here he pays tribute to a trajectory that can last a lifetime: coming to terms with the past.
23
This film will be preceded by the short film Twisted (15 min.)
Director Erik Gandini Country Sweden Year 2017 Runtime 52 min. Editor Stefan Sundlรถf, Johan Sรถderberg Cinematography Carl Nilsson Production Fasad, Erik Gandini, Juan Pablo Libossart Contact information Jing Haase Swedish Film Institute P.O. Box 27126 SE-102 52 Stockholm Sweden P +46 8 665 11 00 E jing.haase@filminstitutet.se
THE REBEL SURGEON Rebellious surgeon Erik Erichsen believes in the straightforward approach that leaves no time for nuances or bureaucracy. He sets up a hospital in Ethopia. What the medical world in Ethiopia lacks in equipment, it compensates by the freedom to improvise, with or without do-it yourself material from the local hardware store. Swedish surgeon Erik Erichsen went to Ethiopia to join a team with only 3 doctors for every 100 000 inhabitants. Worn down by the Swedish bureaucracy, the waiting lists and the rules he decided to move away. What he encounters in the West African country, where there is no money and no access to the right medical equipment, is very different
indeed. But Erichsen describes it this way: the mentality is Sweden is still worse than the material poverty in Ethiopia. His straightforward and improvised approach explains how he ends up using bicycle spokes, hairpins and a hand drill to bring his medical procedures to a successful conclusion. The Rebel Surgeon is the second film in which director Erik Gandini looks for the shadow side of Swedish society. Just like in The Swedish Theory of Love (2015), he subtly highlights the side effects of a hyper-organized society.
24
Director Nicole Nielsen Horanyi Country Denmark Year 2017 Runtime 1u40 Editor Rasmus Stensgaard Madsen Cinematography Henrik Bohn Ipsen Production Helle Faber Contact information Anne Marie Kürstein Danish Film Institute Gothersgade 55 1123 Copenhagen Denmark P +45 4041 4697 E kurstein@dfi.dk
THE STRANGER Amanda meets Casper through Facebook. After only a few ‘instant messages’ Amanda is harassed by family members who suspect that she is after the fortune of the man who turns out to be part of one of the richest families in Denmark. Nothing is what it seems in this thriller documentary, which was reenacted by the people involved. Single parents Amanda and Casper meet on Facebook. While she lives in a small apartment in a suburb of Copenhagen, Casper turns out to belong to one of the richest families in Denmark. They hit it off, and because Casper is not very happy with his wealth, he decides to move in with Amanda. It brings the two closer together, until Amanda discov-
ers that Casper is keeping secrets. Thanks to Facebook, she is able to find out more about his family, which turns out to have an obscure past. It is not the first time that Nicole Nielsen Horanyi focuses on a complicated love affair. In 2009 she made The DeVilles, a film about an American dancer and a punk rock singer with a strong but destructive relationship. Last year she presented Motley’s Law at DOCVILLE, a film that won the youth prize at the DOC NYC festival. History repeats itself because The Stranger also won this prize.
25
ARTIST IN FOCUS ERIK GANDINI Central guest at the festival is the Italian-Swedish director Erik Gandini, a filmmaker who, like no other, dares to look behind the façade of our ‘perfect’ Western world. He made international furore with, among others, Surplus, Videocracy and last year’s The Swedish Theory of Love. Gandini gives a masterclass, there is a retrospective about his work and he is proud to present his new film The Rebel Surgeon: a fascinating portrait of Swedish plastic surgeon Erik Erichsen who traveled to Ethiopia to work as a surgeon in challenging circumstances with the the DIY material that is available. 26
Director Erik Gandini Country Sweden Year 2003 Runtime 52 min. Editor Johan Sรถderberg Cinematography Lukas Eisenhauer & Carl Nilsson Contact information Jing Haase Swedish Film Institute P.O. Box 27126 SE-102 52 Stockholm Sweden P +46 8 665 11 41 E jing.haase@filminstitutet.se
SURPLUS An intense virtual odyssey dilmed over three years in eight countries. From the explosive riots in Genova to $7000 sex dolls in the US, Surplus explores the destructive nature of consumer culture. Against a familiar backdrop of cynical world leaders corporate captains and Microsoft fanatics the film focuses on the controversial anti-globalization guru John Zerzan, whose call for property damage has inspired many to take to the streets. Stunning editing and breath taking cinematography trns the notion that 20% of the world is gobbling up 80% of its resources from pure statistics into an overwhelming emotional experience.
27
This film will be preceded by the short film Twisted (15 min.)
Director Erik Gandini Country Sweden Year 2017 Runtime 52 min. Editor Stefan Sundlรถf, Johan Sรถderberg Cinematography Carl Nilsson Production Fasad, Erik Gandini, Juan Pablo Libossart Contact information Jing Haase Swedish Film Institute P.O. Box 27126 SE-102 52 Stockholm Sweden P +46 8 665 11 00 E jing.haase@filminstitutet.se
THE REBEL SURGEON Rebellious surgeon Erik Erichsen believes in the straightforward approach that leaves no time for nuances or bureaucracy. He sets up a hospital in Ethopia. What the medical world in Ethiopia lacks in equipment, it compensates by the freedom to improvise, with or without do-it yourself material from the local hardware store. Swedish surgeon Erik Erichsen went to Ethiopia to join a team with only 3 doctors for every 100 000 inhabitants. Worn down by the Swedish bureaucracy, the waiting lists and the rules he decided to move away. What he encounters in the West African country, where there is no money and no access to the right medical equipment, is very different
indeed. But Erichsen describes it this way: the mentality is Sweden is still worse than the material poverty in Ethiopia. His straightforward and improvised approach explains how he ends up using bicycle spokes, hairpins and a hand drill to bring his medical procedures to a successful conclusion. The Rebel Surgeon is the second film in which director Erik Gandini looks for the shadow side of Swedish society. Just like in The Swedish Theory of Love (2015), he subtly highlights the side effects of a hyper-organized society.
28
Director Erik Gandini Country Sweden Year 2015 Runtime 1u30 Editor Johan Söderberg Cinematography Vania Tegamelli, Carl Nilsson Production Fasad, Erik Gandini, Juan Pablo Libossart Contact information An De Winter Dalton Distribution A. Vesaliusstraat 9c 3000 Leuven Belgium P +32 16 67 92 46 E an@daltondistribution.be
THE SWEDISH THEORY OF LOVE A society in which everyone has the freedom to be totally independent and safely live their life exactly as he/she wants. Perfect, right? Then why are Swedes not happy? In the eyes of many, Sweden is a perfectly organized society. Since the ‘70s everything is aimed at ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities to live an independent existence. Care and support are all arranged, from the cradle to the grave. No one is dependent on anyone else and so everyone is free to organize their life as he/she wants. Women can choose to be single mothers and use a sperm bank, and the sick and the elderly can turn to the appropriate authorities.
But when people no longer need each other, social contact is no longer a necessity. And that has major consequences. Half the population lives alone and the number of lonely, unnoticed deaths is increasing. Some people look for a way out: young hippies organize meetings to ‘really see and touch’ each other again. A doctor chooses to live in Ethiopia, where the warm community spirit more than makes up for the poor living conditions.
29
Director Erik Gandini Country Denmark, Finland, UK, Sweden Year 2009 Runtime 1u20 Editor Johan Söderberg Cinematography Manuel Alberto Claro, Lukas Eisenhauer Production Atmo, Zentropa Entertainment, SVT Swedish Television, Erik Gandini Contact information Henk Cluytens September Film Belgium E henk@septemberfilm.be
VIDEOCRACY Every country has its own version of the local celebrity, but nowhere the mediatized star culture is as far-reaching as in Italy. In Berlusconi’s videocracy, image and power, television and politics go hand in hand. Everybody who wants to mean anything in the TV-republic of Italy has to pass through the television screen. About 80% of the Italians rely on television for information, or rather infotainment, because television channels are filled with entertainment shows with scarcely dressed women. Everything is shining, everybody smiles: on Italian television, there is no room for criticism, self-reflection or hard economic and social reality.
30
CONSCIENCE A selection of new films about a current topic or a social issue, always with its own vision on the world today. Films that are thought-provoking. The DOCVILLE jury awards the strongest film with the Science & Conscience Prize. 31
OPENING FILM
Director Attiya Khan, Lawrence Jackman Country Canada Year 2017 Runtime 1u25 Editor Lawrence Jackman Cinematography Iris Ng Production National Film Board of Canada, Intervention Productions Inc, Justine Pimlott, Christine Kleckner Contact information Éric Séguin National Film Board of Canada 3155, chemin de la Côte-de-Liesse H4N 2N4 Montréal Canada P +1 514-283-6228 E E.Seguin@nfb.ca
A BETTER MAN Since the #metoo movement started happening, countless women have shared testimonies about abuse and violence. A highly necessary and important shift. But what is the next step? A Better Man shows the impact of an honest testimony and a new and nuanced look at the recovery process, both for victim and perpetrator. Attiya was 18 years old when she was abused by her then-boyfriend Steve. 22 years later she feels strong enough for an honest testimony and a confrontation with Steve. She meets up with him and together they have a series of conversations that show the impact of domestic violence on the level of a relationship and an individual. Not only Attiya, but Steve himself is trying to find out what was going on at the time and
whether Steve is ready to take responsibility for his actions. Footage of conversations between Steve and Attiya are alternated with loving moments between Attiya and her family. A Better Man not only tells the story of two individuals trying to process their past, but also has the goal to let the audience take action, both in their own relationships and in the broader social context in which abuse takes place. There are many similarities with the #metoo movement: Why did Attiya wait so long before she testified? What is the role of the perpetrator in the recovery process? And if forgiveness is out of the question, is there a way to reconcile?
32
Director Christopher Quinn Country USA Year 2017 Runtime 1u34 Editor Mary Lampson, Geoffrey Richman Cinematography Mott Hupfel Production Big Star Pictures, Christopher Quinn, Jonathan Safran Foer, Natalie Portman Contact information Sandra Keats Big Star Pictures E sandra@bigstarpictures.com
EATING ANIMALS The adaptation of the book by Jonathan Safran Foer is a wake-up call that makes you think about industrial meat production and the price that mankind, animals and nature pay for the consumption of cheaply produced animal source foods. Narrated by Nathalie Portman. Jonathan Safran Foer wrote the book Eating Animals years ago. He wondered why we eat meat and explored the disconcerting world of the bio-industry. It is an industry that seems to produce endless quantities of meat and dairy products, without any critical reflection on the impact of consuming animals and the breakdown of traditional agriculture.
The film illustrates Foer’s search for the reason why we started eating meat. It offers, like the book, a long list of reasons to reduce our meat consumption and to restrict the production of animal source foods. ie te minderen en de productie van dierlijk voedsel aan banden te leggen.
Q&A with director Christopher Quinn on 27.03.
33
Director Håvard Bustnes Country Denmark, Finland, Norway Year 2017 Runtime 1u35 Editor Anders Teigen Cinematography Lars Skree, Viggo Knudsen Production Faction Film, UpNorth Film, Christian Falch, Håvard Bustnes Contact information Christian Falch Up North Film P + 47 908 65 219 E christian@factionfilm.no
GOLDEN DAWN GIRLS It hit us like a brick: all of a sudden Golden Dawn, the party with neo-Nazi sympathies, became the third biggest political party in Greece. Another shock follows when suddenly all of the top men are arrested. Their wives are left behind and firmly take over. Now that the male leaders of the Greek neo-Nazi party Golden Dawn are in jail, it is up to the women. Anyone who had hoped that the mothers, daughters and wives of the former party heavyweights would choose a more moderate course is sadly mistaken. In Golden Dawn Girls, Håvard Bustnes tells the story of the mother, daughter and wife of an important nationalist family. The way in which the women defend their men defies all imagination. The film gives the
women a forum, supplemented with old footage that highlights the violent nature of the party. These tough ladies watch the footage without showing any kind of shame or remorse. Funny moments follow scenes that offer insights into the depressing situation in which these women live, proclaiming their gruesome ideas.
34
Director Hans Block, Moritz Riesewieck Country Brazil, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, USA Year 2018 Runtime 1u30 Editor Philipp Gromov, Hans-JĂśrg Weissbrich, Markus CM Schmidt Cinematography Axel Schneppat, Max Preiss Production Gebrueder Beetz Filmproduktion, Grifa Filmes, Motto Pictures, Christian Beetz, Georg Tschurtschenthaler Contact information Nina Hoelzl Gebrueder Beetz Filmproduktion Heinrich-Roller-StraĂ&#x;e 15 10405 Berlin Germany P +49 (0)30 69 56 69 14 E n.hoelzl@gebrueder-beetz.de
THE CLEANERS Who decides whether or not something should appear on Facebook? Can we create a social media platform where violence or hatred is never promoted? Or is this censorship? This neo-noir thriller explores who has the power to decide what we do or do not see. In January, this documentary was nominated in the World Cinema Documentary category at the Sundance film festival. Anonymous men and women working in small, dark offices are given a few seconds to decide whether an image is right or wrong, permissible or not. Is it publishable or should it be censored? This amounts to no less than 25,000 Facebook posts per day. Some images clearly cross a line of admissibility but others are trickier. What about a nude painting
of Trump, for example? Funny or offensive? This raises ethical questions about how far platforms such as Facebook can go in censoring the images of their users. Is giving this power to strangers a good way to censor? The film makes it clear that although Facebook is a large company, it also consists of individuals who feed the machine with photos, data and status updates. These individual employees in their office decide which images actually appear online. As Variety describes it: the conscience of Facebook is outsourced. Block and Riesewieck follow the employees but at the same time they also look for the people who are influenced by their decisions.
35
Director Hogir Hirori Country Sweden Year 2017 Runtime 1u23 Editor Hogir Hirori Cinematography Shinwar Kamal, Firas Bakrmani, Erik Vallsten Production Lolav Media, Ginestra Film, SK Production, Antonio Russo Merenda, Hogir Hirori Contact information Luke Brawley Dogwoof Ltd 19-23 Ironmonger Row EC1V 3QN London UK P +44 2072536244 E luke@dogwoof.com
THE DEMINER Bringing only a pair of pliers and a knife, Kurdish Colonel Fakhir goes on a military mission to Mosul. The Deminer is a real documentary thriller: from the first to the last scene you will be on the edge of your seat. The ringtone of a mobile phone will never sound the same again. After the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime, Fakhir, a father of 8, decides to fight the landmines that kill so many Iraqi civilians. Fakhir dismantles nearly 1000 landmines during this period. When the American troops leave in 2011, the violence in the region becomes more prevalent. Fakhir’s passion for home videos inspires him to record everything. This allows us to witness recent Iraqi history, including the rise of IS.
‘Crazy Fakhir’ – as he is called by the Americans – does not say very much; it is mainly the footage that reveals his personality, shows his family and his extreme job. Risking his own life, he only has one goal: to save the lives of innocent civilians. This ensures that the story is driven to multiple climaxes that do not leave a single viewer unmoved.
36
This film will be preceded by the short film No Jail Time (9 min.)
Director Erika Cohn Country Palestinian Territories, USA Year 2017 Runtime 1u16 Editor Sara Maamouri, Ken Schneider Cinematography Amber Fares Production Idle Wild Films, Erika Cohn Contact information Jeffrey Winter The Film Collaborative 137 North Larchont Blvd, #606 90004 Los Angeles USA P +1 (323) 207-8321 E jeffrey@thefilmcollaborative.org
THE JUDGE A Sharia court with a female judge? It seems highly unlikely, but it exists: Kholoud Al-Faqih is the first female judge to join a Sharia court. Erika Cohn followed her during her first year as a judge and shows her extraordinary steadfastness, despite the setbacks and attacks. The film explains in great detail how Sharia law works and what influence it has on the lives of women in Arab countries. Kholoud’s courage gives women the chance to have a woman defend their case, which makes a big difference when it comes to cases of domestic violence. But can she maintain her position when a change of guard comes?
Director Erika Cohn was teaching and supporting NGOs in Israel and Palestine when she first met Kholoud. Her second feature film was created through unrivaled access to the local court. This critical cinematographic look at an unknown world shows an outdated Sharia that urgently needs to take a fresh look at the present.
37
Director Vít Klusák Country Slovakia, Czech Republic, UK Year 2017 Runtime 1u45 Editor Jana Vlková Cinematography Adam Kruliš Production Hypermarket Films, Vít Klusák, Filip Remunda Contact information Ksenia Gapchenko P +31 627596262 E gaptschenko@gmail.com
THE WHITE WORLD ACCORDING TO DALIBOREK Daliborek: a wannabe Youtube star, neo-Nazi and mommy’s boy. A tragicomic portrait of a forty-year-old who makes neo-Nazi videos fueled by a love of ‘likes’ rather than by conviction. Industrial painter Daliborek is a 40-year-old rancorous Czech who still lives with his mother. The painter, who writes hate songs and who is a neo-Nazi, is not very satisfied with his life, but has no idea how to change it. When his mother starts a new relationship, Daliborek also starts looking for love. But is that compatible with his worldview built up of nothing but hatred? Director Vít Klusák fully embraces the tragicomic duality of his main character. It is difficult not to sympathize with Daliborek’s awkward
attempts to meet people or to chuckle at the humorous situations at the apartment he shares with his mother. At the same time, the apparent underdog constantly insults entire groups of people with a frightening perseverance. The camera registers everything in a stylized way, leaving the neo-Nazi more than enough space to undermine his own arguments and uncover his uncertainties. The result is a hilarious, intriguing and disturbing view of the alt right movement in Europe. Klusák does not achieve this by attacking the ideology itself, but by showing us a human portrait of one of her deeply frustrated followers.
38
Director Daniel McCabe Country Canada, Congo, Qatar, USA Year 2017 Runtime 1u31 Editor Alyse Ardell Spiegel Cinematography Daniel McCabe, Michael McCabe Production Geoffrey McLean, Daniel McCabe, Alyse Ardell Spiegel Contact information Luke Brawley Dogwoof Ltd 19-23 Ironmonger Row EC1V 3QN London UK P +44 2072536244 E luke@dogwoof.com
THIS IS CONGO Director Daniel McCabe first went to Congo in 2008 as a photographer. The photographic documentary series he made about the armed rebels in the Kivu region grew into the visually stunning but tough documentary This is Congo. When McCabe switched from photography to video, he decided to show not only the rebels, but to also offer three other perspectives on the conflict. One is that of a tailor who is forced to travel from one refugee camp to the next and always has his sewing machine at hand to make a little money. Mama Romance also tries to earn a little something and sells minerals on the black market.
The complex situation in Congo is caused by several factors: internal corruption, Western interference, armed militias and the lack of infrastructural and educational development. It is a situation that requires different perspectives. With his approach McCabe succeeds in providing an informative background to the conflict in Congo. When President Joseph Kabila organizes new elections at the end of 2018, this documentary will still be extremely relevant.
39
SCIENCE DOCS More than ever, scientific themes are the subject of sensational documentaries that are creative in both form and content and that are relevant to our lives, now and in the future. The wonderful world of artificial intelligence, the elusive challenges of (quantum) physics, the fusion of man and machine ... they are no longer wacky topics only nerdy professors think about, but the subjects of astonishing documentaries that will amaze and enchant you. 40
Director Greg Kohs Country USA Year 2017 Runtime 1u30 Editor Cindy Lee Cinematography Greg Kohs Production Reel as Dirt, Moxie Pictures, Gary Krieg, Josh Rosen, Kevin Proudfoot Contact information Gary Krieg E gary.krieg@gmail.com
ALPHAGO There are more ways to play a game of Go than there are atoms in the universe. Even if all the computers in the world would work together, it would require millions of years to work out all possible scenarios. For a long time, everyone assumed that a computer would never be able to beat a human Go player. Will Google and the deep learning AI technology succeed in this immense challenge? Can a computer beat the best player? The Chinese board game Go is the oldest game in the world and was subjected to an ultimate test against a computer. Go is both one of the most simple and most abstract games out there. It is a huge challenge for artificial intelligence
(AI) because there is an almost infinite number of possible combinations. Greg Kohs has made a film about the Go equivalent of the chess match between Garry Kasparov and Deep Blue. Set to a soundtrack written by Academy Award nominee Hauschka, Kohs leads us to the core of the film: a seven-day tournament in which the greatest Go master of all time, Lee Sedol, takes on the computer. The film raises questions about the future of our species. How do we deal with this new kind of intelligence? And above all, who will be the winner of this showdown?
41
Director Rafel Duran Torrent Country France, Spain Year 2017 Runtime 1u15 Editor Carlos Prieto Cabrera Cinematography Yoan Cart Production Yuzu Productions, Media 3.14, Pilar Razquin Contact information Olivier Semonnay Java Films P +33 1 74 71 33 17 E olivier@javafilms.tv
CYBORGS AMONG US Meet Neil Harbission, the man who can see infrared thanks to an implant that is directly connected to his brain. Built-in technology is not only used to overcome disabilities, but also gives mankind new opportunities. Medical technology – currently still mainly focused on helping people with disabilities – is moving fast. The fusion of man and machine is no longer something from a science fiction film. Cyborgs take it one step further: the ultimate physical amalgamation of man and machine, with the aim of expanding the capacities of man. The first cyborgs have already crossed the limits of their human capabilities. They are in our homes, in workshops and in tattoo shops, with
simple equipment and a do-it-yourself approach. They are still considered eccentrics, but in the future we may look at them as pioneers. In Cyborgs among Us we are introduced to a number of these explorers and to the groundbreaking research in the field of medical technology. The social and ethical dilemmas of a cyborg society are also highlighted.
42
Director Vincent Langouche Country Belgium Year 2015 Runtime 1u15 Editor Vincent Langouche Cinematography Liesbet De Loof Production Frank Moens Matthias Therry Contact information Licht in Pakjes E info@lichtinpakjes.be
KWANTUMREVOLUTIE QUANTUM REVOLUTION A comprehensive introduction to both the genesis and the basic principles of quantum physics and the crucial role Belgium played in it. After all, it is the Solvay Councils set up in 1911 that led to the birth of a totally new way of scientific thinking. In 1911, rich and progressive industrialist Ernest Solvay invited a small group of European top scientists to the MĂŠtropole hotel in Brussels where they reflected on various problems within their field. It was the first of the many Solvay Councils that played a crucial role in the development of modern physics. More than 100 years later these biennial Solvay Councils are still being organized.
Using very interesting animations, Quantum Revolution is an enlightening introduction to this extremely intriguing science, its history and its impact on today’s world.
43
Director Mila Aung-Thwin, Van Royko Country Canada Year 2017 Runtime 1u20 Editor Mila Aung-Thwin, Gilda Pourjabar Cinematography Van Royko Production EyeSteelFilm, Bob Moore, Mila Aung-Thwin Contact information Camille Jacques Eye Steel Film E distribution@eyesteelfilm.com
LET THERE BE LIGHT Is nuclear fusion the holy grail in the search for safe, clean and eternal energy? The ultimate solution for everything ... but also untraceable? A story about how dedicated scientists want to recreate a star on earth. Is it our best shot at finding truly green inexhaustible energy or a bad guess? ‘Fusion is the energy of the future, and always will be.’ In the South of France, people are currently working hard at building ITER, the largest nuclear fusion power plant ever built. The ambitious project is a big gamble on the part of the countries that are funding and supporting it. Will this be the energy of the future or is it the biggest political and scientific gamble ever?
Nuclear fusion – not nuclear fission – is seen by some as the ideal solution to the imminent energy shortage. Mila Aung-Thwin tells the haunting story – with clear and knowledgeable explanations of the scientists involved – about the ultimate quest for safe, clean and eternal energy: from the initial idea of Russian Oleg Lavrientiev, to the development of the largest core fusion center in France. But even outside of this center, the dream is being worked on: there are scientists working hard to uncover the secrets of nuclear fusion, for a fraction of the price, out of their own garage.
44
Director Tommy Pallotta, Femke Wolting Country The Netherlands Year 2018 Runtime 1u19 Cinematography Guido van Gennep Production Submarine / Savage Film, Contact information Wiepko Oosterhuis Periscoop film P +31 20 8204940 E wiepko@periscoopfilm.nl
MORE HUMAN THAN HUMAN We are living in an age of increasingly intelligent machines that can take on more and more human tasks. The director of this film explores the boundaries by replacing himself by a robot that films and edits. Do we still need human directors? We have high expectations for Artificial Intelligence but they are increasingly being met. This irrevocably raises questions about the consequences for mankind. Will ‘being human’ be completely irrelevant one day because Artificial Intelligence (AI) is infinitely smarter and more self-aware? The director tries to find a robot that can replace him, to find out how much of his creativity and unique human values are being threatened.
45
Director Norman Leto Country Poland Year 2017 Runtime 1u47 Editor Cinematography Contact information Lightcraft Dominikanska 21A 02-738 Warsaw Poland P +48 602134587 E maszynownia@lightcraft.pl
PHOTON Polish artist, filmmaker and painter Norman Leto takes you on a visual journey from the origin of the universe to the distant future when man no longer exists in his current form. Leto combines intriguing black and white animation of DNA with 3D models and animations. The film starts at the very beginning: the first molecules, chemical elements and other structures are formed and create a young planet Earth. The journey continues as we witness the development of mankind, with a focus on the social connections that people have entered into over time. Leto uses this opportunity to outline his future vision of mankind.
This visual gem paints a picture of the scientific discoveries of the last centuries and was based on David Deatsch’s books The Beginning of Infinity and The Fabric of Reality. The curiosity of the director leads to the combination of different elements and styles, just like in his previous film Sailor from 2010. Enjoy this artistic and informative journey!
46
This film will be preceded by the short film Personal Truth (17 min.)
Director Sheila Marshall Country UK, US Year 2016 Runtime 1u02 Editor Ariadna Fatjó-Vilas, Marianne Kuopanportti, Sheila Marshall Cinematography Production Kris De Meyer, Sheila Marshall Contact information Sheila Marshall Aniku 53 Glennie Road SE270LX London United Kingdom P +44 7961869050 E sheila@aniku.co.uk
RIGHT BETWEEN YOUR EARS May 21, 2011: some said it would be the end of time. How can you be so convinced of something that everyone else contradicts? A film about how an idea can be transformed into a certainty and how it can ultimately be treated as the truth. Including interviews with supporters ... who all survived. A father of a young family, a philosophy student who is about to graduate, a trader who is so convinced that he quits his job after 18 years. Will they enjoy their last day on earth or will they see the sun rise yet again on the 22nd of May? By now, we know the answer to that last question, but the more intriguing question is: how did people become so absorbed in their ideas?
The way in which the believers admit that the idea was purely psychological is reflected in the many testimonies. How does it get that far? Sheila Marshall gives sociologists and neuroscientists the opportunity to create more context. It not only sketches the thinking pattern of a certain community, but also an image for all of us about how broader beliefs and thoughts can come about. ‘Have you ever been convinced or something, beyond all doubt?’
47
Director Emer Reynolds Country Ireland Year 2017 Runtime 2u01 Editor Tony Cranstoun Cinematography Kate McCullough Contact information Siobhan Ward Crossing the Line Productions Barr an Uisce Killincarrig Rd Greystones, Wicklow Ireland P +353 (0) 12875394 E siobhanward@ctlfilms.com
THE FARTHEST Summer 1977. Voyager 1 and 2 are launched into space. Unmanned, but in possession of a golden record with a message for extraterrestrial intelligent life, the spaceships are on their way to deep space. To celebrate their 40th birthday, Emer Reynolds presents a visual ode to the mission and everyone who was involved at the time. Each Voyager contains a message for any intelligent life the Voyager could come into contact with: the famous golden record with music and photographs of our planet and humanity. Ever since the Voyagers were flown out of the solar system in 2013, they have been exploring new territory, on a yet unmatched mission.
The film shows what is on the golden record and which ideas and willpower was needed to launch these spaceships. Breathtaking images of space are interspersed with interviews of people who are on the golden record and scientists who participated in the project. Is this mankind’s greatest achievement to date?
48
EXPO MORE THAN FILMS 49
EXPO
During the festival visit the DOCVILLE-EXPO with fascinating experiments in the theme of robotics and artificial intelligence. VERNISSAGE 22.03 | 18H On 22.03 you are very welcome to explore the installations on a tour given by the DOCVILLE programmer and the artists / computer wizards present. Free entrance. Location: Foyer ZED-Vesalius
Patrick Tresset’s Robot artist
Crowdsight
Can a robot create art? A robot’s eye looks at your face, his robotic arm, gripping a standard pen, then goes to work.
Does a camera know who is passing by? How old you are, your gender and even your mood?
The lab of quantum physics
Brainwaves
Come and experience some laws of quantum physics firsthand in some fascinating experiments.
I.s.m.
Can your brain waves influence reality? Yes you can, in this game powered by your mind.
Learning in progress
Luistervink: Audio-VR
Watch how a computer teaches itself how to play Super Mario Bros.
A virtual journey through the eyes and ears of a little bird flying over – and between – the buildings of Leuven.
50
SPECTRUM An extremely varied selection of top-notch documentaries that have scored in the international film festival circuit, surprising discoveries and our programmer’s favorites. In short, films that the true documentary enthusiast should not miss. 51
This film will be preceded by the short film Listen (15 min.)
Director Egil Håskjold Larsen Country Norway Year 2017 Runtime 1u10 Editor Egil Håskjold Larsen, Victor Kossakovsky Cinematography Egil Håskjold Larsen Production Sant & Usant, Tone Grottjord Contact information An De Winter Dalton Distribution A. Vesaliusstraat 9c 3000 Leuven Belgium P +32 16 67 92 46 E an@daltondistribution.be
69 MINUTES OF 86 DAYS 3-year-old Lean arrives in Greece, numb and confused. On a beach full of debris, life jackets, confusion and screaming, Lean finds her way in search of a familiar face. The audience watches for 86 days through her eyes, sharing in her fear and insecurity but also in her wonder and pleasure. Thanks to little Lean’s surprising perspective, the film creates the perfect framework to sketch the months-long journey in a unique way. Living together with a host of other refugees, boat trips, car rides, bus rides, waiting for food, a place to sleep, transport, clarity. The ignorance and fatigue of the adults is in sharp contrast with Lean’s charismatic face. It is as though all sadness and pain have left her, but is that the case?
The stylistic choices that director Egil Håskjold makes have a decisive effect on this impressive travel report. Without commentary or questions, the viewer experiences how much energy a refugee trip demands, physically and mentally. A film like no other, which already won prizes at prestigious festivals such as Hot Docs, Nordic, Sheffield and the Copenhagen Festival CPX:DOX.
52
Director Justin Gaar Country USA Year 2016 Runtime 1u32 Editor Justin Gaar Cinematography Justin Gaar Production Not A Plane, Carlos De Los Rios, Justin Gaar
CURSE OF THE MAN WHO SEES UFOS For years no one has wanted to believe Christo Roppolo who is convinced that UFOs exist and that everyone who looks for them will see them on a regular basis. Frustrated, he decides to contact a documentary filmmaker to prove his point to humanity. Director Justin Gaar picks up the glove. Roppolo claims to have come into contact with flying saucers several times. As a classic conspiracy man he has various theories about their origin and the cover-ups of the American government. Roppolo is a friendly, aloof Californian, who is getting older and finally wants rec-
ognition for his life’s work. Little by little, we discover the man behind the stories. And then a huge, unexplained crop circle is discovered in California ... When director Justin Gaar came into contact with Roppolo, he initially wanted to turn down his offer to make a documentary about him. But after meeting in person, he realized that he could create an intimate and worthy portrait rather than just emphasizing the wacky side of the story. Roppolo’s curse became a blessing for the silver screen.
53
Director Alex de Ronde Country The Netherlands Year 2017 Runtime 1u12 Editor Chris van Oers Cinematography Alex de Ronde, Remco Bikkers, Deen van der Zaken, Pieter Colombijn Production Pieter van Huystee Film
This film will be preceded by the short film Kish (15 min.)
DOOF KIND DEAF CHILD When Tobias was a year old, he was diagnosed with deafness. Tobias is now a young adult, and he has not let his limitation hold him back. Time for his father Alex to get rid of some of the prejudices about ‘being deaf’ – including his own. In this documentary, Tobias’ father shows how the family has overcome many obstacles together. The pivotal figure is Tobias himself, boundlessly optimistic, who never wanted to play a victim at all. By fully accepting his limitations, he has even turned it into his profession; he is now a lecturer in Dutch Sign Language. Father Alex gives an insight into the family using all kinds of home videos. In doing so, Alex not only opposes the prejudices of society, but also courageously admits his
own initial reservations. Thanks to Tobias’ contagious enthusiasm, Deaf Child becomes a real feel-good documentary about accepting yourself and turning a restriction into something positive. Deaf Child won the audience award at the prestigious documentary festival IDFA.
Q&A with the director and his son Tobias on 24.03 (with sign language interpreter).
54
This film will be preceded by the short film The Talk - True Stories about the Bird (9 min.)
Director Stephane Kaas Country Israel, The Netherlands Year 2017 Runtime 1u07 Editor Stephane Kaas, Ruben van der Hammen, Mieneke Kramer Cinematography Diderik Evers Production Baldr Film, Katja Draaijer, Frank Hoeve Contact information Nikki Habraken BALDR Film Oudezijds Achterburgwal 77 1012 DC Amsterdam The Netherlands P +31 (0) 20 3032670 E festivals@baldrfilm.nl
ETGAR KERET: BASED ON A TRUE STORY Israeli writer Etgar Keret is known as a born storyteller who does not take reality too seriously. But how do you capture such a man in a documentary? By telling a crazy story: two of his Dutch fans try it in this very clever and smoothly told film. Keret shot to fame with his extremely short fiction stories. In his daily life he likes nothing more than to tell anecdotes, possibly seasoned with just a pinch of imagination. When two Dutch superfans get the permission to make a documentary about the man, they decide to use his love for stories in their approach. For example, they integrate several short stories by using animation, reconstruct anecdotes and they try to find out, together with Keret, where his need to tell stories comes from.
The approach of the film is reminiscent of Howl, the experimental love letter to the life and work of Allen Ginsberg. In this case, however, Stephane Kaas and Rutger Lemm make a documentary that plays with the boundaries of the genre, in no small part thanks to their protagonist. Keret had received several offers from other documentary makers, but opted for this duo “because they wanted it so much, and at the same time they explained it so poorly.�
55
Director Frederick Wiseman Country USA Year 2017 Runtime 3u17 Editor Frederick Wiseman Cinematography John Davey Production Frederick Wiseman Contact information Karen Konicek Zipporah Films One Richdale Avenue, Unit #4 02140 Cambridge, Massachusetts USA P +1 617.576.3603 E karen@zipporah.com
EX-LIBRIS New York’s public library is a house with many faces. The now 87-year-old award winning documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman produces another stunning piece with his latest documentary about the renowned institute. An ode to the multifaceted importance of a place that we too often take for granted. In this film, which is over three hours long, Wiseman captures the many stories that live in and around this institute. In his typical quiet, observing style he shows the various branches, in the different city districts, that attract a most diverse crowd. Each with their own background and
motivation. One person is looking for relaxation, the other craves knowledge. What connects them is that in these digital times they choose the library as a refuge, confirming its status as a democratic institution.
56
Director Johan Van Schaeren Country Belgium Year 2018 Runtime 1u20 Editor Matthias Therry Production Fonk Producties Contact information An De Winter Dalton Distribution A. Vesaliusstraat 9c 3000 Leuven Belgium P +32 16 67 92 46 E an@daltondistribution.be
LEUVEN ‘68 In Leuven ‘68 we look back at the turbulent years between 1966 and 1968, during which a real student revolt shook the country’s foundations. The revolt, a harbinger of a large wave of student revolutions worldwide, is both a reaction against the rigid, authoritarian policy of the bishops and a struggle for an autonomous Dutch speaking university in Flanders. It is both a struggle for emancipation, participation and democratization and a fierce language battle. Leuven ‘68 is a rare moment in history where the left, center and right revolted together.
The revolt has major consequences: the government falls, the unitary political parties split into French-speaking and Dutch-speaking parties and the largest university in the country splits. The long-term effects are even more far-reaching: in ‘68 a new generation stands up against the older ones. They are fed up with the old rulers, bourgeoisie and establishment, and they turn down the idea of power that is based on nothing much. The ‘soixanthuitards’ become a well-known group. Leuven ‘68 is the end of an era and is in many ways a milestone and a fault line in the history of Belgium.
57
Director Gustavo García Salmerón Country Spain Year 2017 Runtime1u28 Editor Raul de Torres, Dani Urdiales Cinematography Gustavo García Salmerón Production Suenos Despiertos PC S.L, Gustavo Salmerón PC, Gustavo García Salmerón
LOTS OF KIDS, A MONKEY AND A CASTLE When Julita married her husband, she had three wishes: lots of children, a pet monkey and to live in a castle. Lo and behold: they had many children together, they have a monkey and they live in a medieval castle. A hilarious portrait of this charming madre with a strong will and a heart of gold. The relationship between mothers and sons is never self-evident. Spanish actor Gustavo Salmerón aims his camera at his own family and shows how, thanks to an inheritance, his family had the opportunity to buy a medieval castle. Matriarch Julita Salmerón with her eccentric personality clearly runs this cheerful family.
The title refers to three wishes Julita made when she married her husband: to have many children, a pet monkey and a castle. The castle that they have come to live in is not a metaphor but a real medieval castle including old carpets, armor and candle holders. The story unfolds when Julita is forced to tidy up, but is unable to throw anything out. Her enormous collection takes up the entire place. Her vision of life emerges through the stories, portrayed in various image formats such as Super 8 and images from Gustavo’s Iphone. It results in a film laced with warmth and affection. Even though not everything goes smoothly, the family never loses their sense of humor and disarming spontaneity.
58
Director Jason Kohn Country USA Year 2017 Runtime 1u30 Editor Michael X. Flores, Jack Price Cinematography Eduardo Mayen Production Kilo Films, Showtime Documentary Films,
LOVE MEANS ZERO What do tennis greats like Andre Agassi, Venus and Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova have in common? They have all worked with quirky tennis coach Nick Bollettieri. A compelling and humorous documentary about the relentless desire to win. Bollettieri became famous in the 1980s because of his unusual way of working, in which developing a winning mentality was key. Love Means Zero combines old footage from legendary tennis competitions with critical interviews with former pupils, employees and Bollettieri himself. The testimony of Boris Becker, who the tennis coach implored to defeat his arch rival Agassi, accentuates their disturbed relationship.
A compelling film by director Jason Kohn (Manda Bala (Send a Bullet)), a complex but funny documentary about the highs and lows of Bollettieri’s controversial career.
59
Director Tom Volf Country France Year 2017 Runtime 1u53 Editor Janice Jones Production Volf Productions, Elephant Doc, Petit Dragon, Unbeldi Production, Emma Lepers, Gaël Leiblang Contact information Olivier Van den Broeck The Searchers Oostenstraat 50 (35) 2018 Antwerpen Belgium P +32 3 689 80 47 E olivier@thesearchers.be
MARIA BY CALLAS Maria Callas - one of the best opera singers post World War II - was a living legend, haunted by scandals and persistent gossip. Now, forty years after her death, Maria By Callas tells the whole story entirely in her own words. Finally a tormented icon gets a chance to share her side of the story. If one opera figure deserves a place next to the Mick Jaggers and Keith Moons of this world in terms of diva behavior, then it must be Maria Callas. In a world marked by rigid protocol and restrained high class, she had the courage to stop halfway through a concert, despite the presence of international royalty. She also fought a bitter feud with her
rival Renata Tebaldi. At least, that is what the public allegedly “knows”. Tom Volf thought it was high time to correct some misunderstandings and to place the sensational gossip (such as her relationship with Aristotle Onassis, who left her for Jacky Kennedy) in the right context. Debuting documentary filmmaker Tom Volf only used TV interviews, archive footage and letters written by Callas. Paradoxically, he achieved the most objective portrait of the singer to date. After all, Maria emerges as an extremely complex figure with enormous self-knowledge and a sense of perspective. The result has nothing in common with gossip and sensational news, but is a deeply endearing and tragic document.
60
Director Patrick Minks, Irma Wijsman Country Netherlands Year 2018 Runtime 1u24 Editor Patrick Minks Cinematography Jaap Veldhoen, Patrick Minks Production Timecut Films, De Zaak Wijsman, Patrick Minks, Irma Wijsman Contact information
MICHEL – ACTEUR VERLIEST DE WOORDEN For almost forty years, actor Michel Van Dousselaere has been able to rely on his voice both on stage and in front of the camera. But one day, he is diagnosed with aphasia. Together with his wife Irma, he looks for solutions so that he can give one final performance. He also wants to find a way to maintain contact with his environment. What do you do as an actor when language eludes you? Michel Van Dousselaere is forced to find out when he is struck by progressive aphasia, a brain disorder that affects the speech center. Soon after the diagnosis, Michel’s wife Irma decides to record the entire process. This way the viewer not only sees an intimate portrait of a strong couple that courageously copes with a medical setback. We also follow the
dignified farewell of an actor who wants to shine on stage one finale time, whatever it may take. Language plays a huge role both in our daily lives and in the specific profession of an actor. When that certainty is lost, the patient must look for new forms of communication. The journey Van Dousselaere and his wife embark on is marred by difficulty, but the result is heartwarming and inspiring.
Q&A with the director and Michel’s wife on 23.03.
61
Director Jennifer Peedom Country Australia Year 2017 Runtime 1u14 Editor Christian Gazal, Scott Gray Cinematography Renan Ozturk Production Stranger than Fiction Films, Jennifer Peedom, Jo-anne McGowan
CLOSING FILM
MOUNTAIN An investigation into the unique appeal of the mountains. Mountain is both an adrenaline rush and a work of unseen beauty thanks to the stunning images and the beautiful classic film score. A perfect film to watch on the big screen. Narrated by Willem Dafoe. Whether it is Mont Ventoux or Everest, Olympus or Mount Doom, we have always been fascinated by mountains, both in fiction and in reality. “What is this strange force that drives us upward – this sirens song of the summum?” author Robert Macfarlane wonders. Fascinated by the place mountains occupy in our society, he wrote the commentary on this wonderful film.
Besides a philosophical investigation into the metaphorical and sociological significance of mountains, Mountain is also a unique cinematographic registration of what mountaineering entails, including all the dangers. Using an arsenal of helicopters and drones we follow various mountain climbs, close enough to smell the sweat and feel the palpitations. An absolute spectacle that was made for the big screen. And who else but Willem Dafoe could provide these majestic images with a proper voice-over?
62
Director Arto Koskinen Country Finland Year 2017 Runtime 1u32 Editor Joona Louhivuori Cinematography Pini Hellstedt Production Illume Oy Production, Marianne Mäkelä, Jouko Aaltonen
This film will be preceded by the short film Kish (15 min.)
NOKIA MOBILE: WE WERE CONNECTING PEOPLE 1982, the sleepy Finnish town of Salo. When Nokia’s experiments with the new ‘mobile phone’ phenomenon pay off, everyone benefits. But can the socially inspired mentality of the company handle the massive amounts of international attention? In the eighties, Nokia suddenly became the number one player in the field of mobile phones. In Finnish corporate culture everyone is treated equally, which translated into a stream of enthusiastic innovations, original designs and passionate production. Such a fairytale could not last. Today, Nokia no longer makes mobile phones and the people who enjoyed the sudden success are now out of a job. The film sketches the
rise and fall of the sympathetic local underdog, and its clash with the capitalist reality of globalization. Although the outcome of this story is known (and sad), the makers know how to keep you entertained by using flashy editing, funny anecdotes and intermezzos of nineties commercials. Travel along to a not so distant past of immortal batteries and all too familiar ringtones.
63
Director Maxim Pozdorovkin Country Russia, USA Year 2017 Runtime 1u18 Editor Maxim Pozdorovkin, Matvey Kulakov Cinematography Maxim Pozdorovkin Production Third Party Films, Joe Bender, Maxim Pozdorovkin, Charlotte Cook
OUR NEW PRESIDENT The alleged ties between Donald Trump and Russia continue to make headlines. Yet here in Europe the Russian side, and how the population is ‘informed’ there is rarely discussed. Made entirely with amateur footage and dubious news items, Our New President paints an equally hilarious and shocking portrait. Trump just might be more popular in Russia than in his own country. But how exactly did he gain all this admiration? This documentary explains the phenomenon by allowing local images to speak for themselves. They range from vodka-soaked toasts in people’s homes to news broadcasts from the two largest state channels, NTV and Russia Today. During the presidential elections, the propaganda machine of these stations clearly worked at full speed. The most outrageous dec-
larations of love to Trump pass by, side by side with the most incredible stories about Hillary Clinton. It is no coincidence that both channels are controlled by Putin, who does not shy away from pushing his personal agenda through all the way to the Russian living rooms. Russian-American director Maxim Pozdorovkin decided to make a film “that uses the news to tell a story without a single correct explanation.” He does not take a stand, and he does not refute the broadcasts with facts. And this makes the criticism of Our New President all the more acute and effective. The untruths that the news anchors spew are so gratuitous that everyone, both viewer and director, can only watch stunned and speechless.
64
Director Jeff Malmberg, Chris Shellen Country USA Year 2017 Runtime 1u31 Editor Jeff Malmberg Cinematography Jeff Malmberg Production Open Face, Jeff Malmberg, Chris Shellen, Matt Radecki Contact information
SPETTACOLO As Shakespeare once wrote: “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.� The inhabitants of the Tuscan village of Monticchiello take that statement very literally, putting on a play about their own lives every summer. When the economic crisis hits their region too, tensions arise in the village / theater company. What started out as a massive artistic process to deal with the trauma of WWII has become a tradition. Every summer, the inhabitants of Monticchiello gather to act out their daily life in front of an audience. During months of preparation it is determined which anecdotes and worries are worth adding to the performance. The sense of togetherness in the village is increasingly threatened by external influences. The charming
tradition attracts more and more tourists, while the financial malaise continues to seep into the material of some players. Can the village continue to deny the economic reality and resist the call to become a tourist trap? Spettacolo finds its drama in the machinations behind the performance more so than in the spectacle itself. Because of the unique sociological context, these preparations are much more than just a making of. The fact that life itself provides more than enough material for a full-fledged piece has been old news to these villagers for decades. The documentary, however, goes a step further and shows the how and why of that choice of topic, with all its consequences.
65
Director Christina Clusiau, Shaul Schwarz Country Qatar, UK, USA Year 2017 Runtime 1u47 Editor Halil Efrat, Jay Arthur Sterrenberg Cinematography Shaul Schwarz, Christina Clusiau Production Pulse Films
TROPHY The hunt for the Big Five (elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhinoceros) always incites intense emotions with supporters and opponents. With an extraordinary cinematography, Trophy presents a passionate – and perhaps convincing – argument pro legal hunting and the link between nature conservation and trophy hunting. Since 1970, the world has lost 60% of its wildlife. Africa’s most iconic animals in particular continue to disappear at a rapid pace. Can controversial practices of trophy hunting and breeding really help? Trophy exposes the complicated relationship between hunters, nature conservationists and exotic animals in a growing billion dollar hunting industry.
Shaul Scharz and Christina Clusiau take the audience on an extraordinary journey through the jungles of Zimbabwe, the nature reserves of Botswana and the South African savannah.
66
Director Jennifer Brea Country UK, USA Year 2017 Runtime 1u38 Editor Emiliano Battista, Kim Roberts Cinematography Sam Heesen, Christian Houge Laursen Production Jennifer Brea, Alysa Nahmias, Lindsey Dryden, Patricia E. Gillespie
UNREST For many people, including doctors, fibromyalgia and CFS are still unknown conditions. All too quickly, people are told to get psychological support. The director, frustrated by the lack of efficient medical treatment, films herself on her long path to healing and goes in search of fellow sufferers. There is still no symptom-controlling treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Patients often face many prejudices, such as that their illness would be purely psychological in nature. That is what happened to Jennifer, who out of pure frustration captured her suffering on camera and soon found a worldwide network of victims. Thanks
to them Jennifer found the strength to finish a full-fledged film. Unrest is not only a tribute to her inspiring companions but also manages to create more awareness. Unrest was literally directed from a sickbed. Using a variety of technological gadgets, Jennifer was able to communicate live with her camera team from a distance. These images are supplemented with a video diary filmed on Jennifers iPhone, in which the viewer participates in her experiences in the most intimate way. The film won the Special Jury Award for Documentary Editing at Sundance and was on the Oscars shortlist.
67
Director Agnès Varda, JR Country France Year 2017 Runtime 1u30 Editor Agnès Varda, Maxime Pozzi Garcia Cinematography Roberto de Angelis, Romain le Bonniec, Claire Duguet, Nicolas Guicheteau Production Ciné Tamaris, Arches films, Arte France Cinema, Cohen Media Group, Rouge International, Rosalie Varda
VISAGES VILLAGES Spry, almost 90-year-old director Agnès Varda – the heroine of the Nouvelle Vague cinema – meets JR, a dreamy young artist at the crossroads between photography and street art. The pair go on an adventure along French roads, where Varda proves that, in terms of inventiveness and zest for life, she can still keep up with the next generation. A heart-warming road movie, a tender farewell to a legend and an ode to the immortality of creativity. Agnès Varda will soon be 90 (!) and has directed more than 50 films. Yet she agrees immediately when the young JR proposes to travel together through the French countryside. Along the way, the duo experiments with a new artistic format. They photograph the many colorful figures
they encounter randomly, and then display them on gigantic posters on walls, factories, containers. The ‘visages’ become an inherent part of the villages that they pass through. In the meantime, a close friendship grows between the passionate duo. With Visages Villages, Varda takes a break from cinema while at the same time symbolically passing on the torch (or rather camera) to a spiritual successor. Fortunately, the documentary is by no means a self-indulgent artistic get-together. The childlike enthusiasm with which the brave, elderly lady embarks on the new artistic adventure, is incredibly infectious, while her bond with 55-year-old JR is very touching. It is not surprising that the film is tipped as the Oscar favorite among documentaries.
68
MOCK THE DOC The mockumentary genre is the cheerful outsider in the documentary world. A subject – fictitious or not – is discussed in a documentary form, not taking reality too seriously. Despite the satirical undertone, these mockumentaries sometimes have astonishing truths to share, though enjoying the parody is still the main draw. 69
Director Sergio Oksman Country Spain Year 2012 Runtime 26 min. EditorFernando Franco, Sergio Oksman Cinematography Miguel Ángel Amoedo Production Dok Films, Sergio Oksman Contact information Ismael Martín C/ Juan de Orduña nº3 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcon Spain P +34 915121060
A STORY FOR THE MODLINS One evening, director Sergio Oksmam stumbles on a box filled with pictures, letters and a video tape left in front of his door. It belongs to the American Modlin family: mom Margaret is an ambitious artist, dad Elmer is a failed actor and their son Nelson. He is able to reconstruct their fascinating film history.
70
Director Jules Comes, Ward Collin Country Belgium Year 2018 Runtime 52 min.
This film will be preceded by the short film A Story for the Modlins (26 min.)
HET VERDRIET VAN BOUDEWIJN “Sire, there are no more Belgians.” Had he been alive today, Jules Destrée would say it once more. Now that the royal family no longer delivers majesties of the reconciling type, two filmmakers turn to the illegitimate progeny of the last monarch who actually wanted to connect the different parts of the country. In their search for the soul of Belgium, they find the lost son of King Baudouin. Will this bastard prince be able to reunite the land? Belgium is bursting. Neither Albert II nor Filip have been able to change that. What else keeps the country together? Who or what did in the past? Jules Comes and Ward Collin dig deeper into the national history. They end up with King Baudouin. After all, “Baudouin was Belgium.” Having risen to power as a result of the thorny Royal Question, the fifth king of
the Belgians managed to unite the whole country once more for over forty years. The blue blood that flowed through this man’s veins must have been of exceptional quality. When the documentary makers find out that there is an illegitimate son, they decide to investigate. The sadness of Baudouin and Belgium always went hand in hand, will this also apply to the prince’s descendants? It should be clear that Comes and Collin did not actually track down a male (and cousin of) Delphine Boël. In this hilarious mockumentary, they mock the obsessions and gossip about the royal family, as well as its role in Belgian identity. The result is, of course, completely Belgian in all its absurdity. Ceci n’est pas a documentary. Q&A with the son of Baudoin.
71
Director Kristof Michiels Country Belgium Year 2018 Runtime 1u12 Editor Kristof Michiels Production Mixflix, Kristof Michiels Contact information An De Winter Dalton Distribution A. Vesaliusstraat 9c 3000 Leuven Belgium P +32 16 67 92 46 E an@daltondistribution.be
WIEN IS ‘T HOF VAN COMMERCE Kowlier, Buyse and DJ 4T4; three names that have resounded for over twenty years in the firmament of Flemish hip-hop and rap under the name ‘t Hof van Commerce. But who is ‘t Hof van Commerce? A thundering rollercoaster full of music and visual mash-ups about two decades ‘t Hof. The band is known for its wit and for not taking itself too seriously – just like this film. Of course, twenty years of ‘t Hof van Commerce asks for a look back, with (mostly) extremely serious and documentary-worthy contributions from Wim Willaert, Wim Opbrouck, Wannes Cappelle, Discobar Galaxie, Bent Van Looy, Bruno Vandenbroecke, Eddy Merckx and Coely and many other big and small fans and compagnons de route of
‘t Hof. Wien is the Court of Commerce is an exciting trip that catapults you through twenty years of Flemish hip hop and showbiz. ‘T Hof van Commerce is a complementary triumvirate, but this film is the work of DJ4T4, a.k.a. Kristof Michiels. As a DJ behind the two MCs, he has helped shape ‘t Hof. Michiels is an excellent entertainer, as he proves again with Wien is ’t Hof van Commerce which he describes as an ‘audiovisual party’.
72
LEUVEN JAZZ @ DOCVILLE Leuven Jazz and DOCVILLE join forces for a unique program of documentaries and concerts. Jazzcats can get acquainted with numerous new documentaries and the documentary fans can enjoy unique live performances in the cinema. www.leuvenjazz.be 73
ETHIOPIQUES: REVOLT OF THE SOUL
JUUL’S EARS
MISHA ENZOVOORT
Driven musicologist Francis Falceto joins a group of Ethiopian musicians as he looks for the meaning of Ethiopian music, a unique style of music that had a significant influence on Free Jazz and pop music of the late 20th century. A compelling look at a forgotten generation of brilliant musicians, who now often live in poverty and in exile. An ode to their passion and courage with which they – against all odds – provide the most beautiful sounds and music.
A terrific portrait of Juul Anthonissen – who passed away in 2008 – and his unique jazzclub Hnita Jazz Club, where many jazz legends performed. The film uses archive footage, old recordings and exclusive interviews to show how one man’s limitless passion for music put Heist-op-den-Berg on the map, in terms of jazz.
An ode to the amazing pianist Misha Mengelberg as well as a compelling portrait of the tragic finiteness of a grandiose musician. Several years ago, band leader, composer and pianist Misha Mengelberg fell prey to dementia. Cherry Duyns follows this icon of European jazz during a week of performances at London jazz club Vortex, which is sure to be his last international performance. The band members, who have played with Mengelberg for several decades, prepare for the long delayed farewell.
The film is followed by a mini concert by DAAN.
The film is followed by a mini concert by DAAN.
The film is followed by a mini concert by Han Bennink.
74
APES, CATS & DOCS The wonderful animal kingdom is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding film subjects, really coming into its own on the big screen. These films fascinate both young and old, making them the ultimate family films. DOCVILLE selected some lovely documentaries in which animals play the main role, from the amazing underwater world to the cats of Istanbul. For nature lovers ages 8 and up. 75
Director Richard Dale, Peter Webber, Lixin Fan Country UK Year 2017 Runtime 1u35 Contact information Olivier Van den Broeck The Searchers Oostenstraat 50 (35) 2018 Antwerpen Belgium P +32 3 689 80 47 E olivier@thesearchers.be
EARTH: ONE AMAZING DAY
8+
This unforgettable journey about our wonderful planet shows the animal kingdom in a unique visual way. Thanks to new film techniques – such as fascinating time-lapses and drones – BBC creates a visual spectacle that really comes into its own on the big screen. Earth: One Amazing Day is the sequel to the acclaimed BBC documentary Earth from 2007 that takes you on a breathtaking adventure where you, as a viewer, are pulled into a spectacular world in which animals play the lead role thanks to the latest camera and film techniques. From a fight between two male giraffes who want to break each other’s necks and a young zebra that desperately tries to cross a river to a penguin who puts his life at risk to feed his family.
The directors are BAFTA winner Richard Dale (The Human Body) and Peter Webber (The Girl with the Pearl Earring) and Lexin Fan. A perfect film to stir up ecological awareness with children and young adults and to enjoy the intense beauty of our planet with the whole family.
76
Director Brett Morgen Country USA Year 2017 Runtime 1u30 Editor Joe Beshenkovsky Cinematography Ellen Kuras Production National Geographic Channel, Brett Morgen, Bryan Burk, Tony Gerber Contact information An De Winter Dalton Distribution A. Vesaliusstraat 9c 3000 Leuven Belgium P +32 16 67 92 46 E an@daltondistribution.be
JANE
10+
At the invitation of the famous paleontologist Louis Leakey, 26-yearold Jane Goodall heads to Tanzania to study chimpanzees in the wild. For the adventurous, troubled Jane, it is a dream come true. Without any experience, knowledge or scientific training (‘an open mind, a passion for knowledge, patience and love for animals’ were the requirements) she applies herself to the study of primate behavior. National Geographic sends their best nature filmmaker, Hugo van Lawick, to make a portrait of this special woman. He captures not only the chimps, but aims his camera at her too. The budding romance between Jane and Hugo is reflected in beautiful images straight out of paradise. The naivety and innocence of the sixties are also reflected
in the unique footage. Only in 2014 was this cinematic treasure, more than 100 hours of beautifully warm and tender 16 mm material, found in the National Geographic archives. Brett Morgen, who also made Cobain: Montage of Heck, was given the dream assignment to turn it into a film. Philip Glass composed the music. Together with the sober commentary of Jane Goodall (who is 83) they created a particularly touching and wonderful film.
77
Director Ceyda Torun Country Turkey, USA Year 2017 Runtime 1u20 Production Ceyda Torun, Charlie Wupperman Contact information An De Winter Dalton Distribution A. Vesaliusstraat 9c 3000 Leuven Belgium P +32 16 67 92 46 E an@daltondistribution.be
KEDI
10+
For many years, more than 100,000 cats have roamed the streets of Istanbul. They have become part of the city and contribute to its magical atmosphere. The cats belong to no one and everyone, they are neither wild nor tame. Yet they often have a special bond with one or more people. The Istanbul cats hold up a mirror to ‘their’ people and make them think about the world and themselves in a way no one or nothing else can. Cat lover or not: you will fall for this worldwide box office hit about the lives of 7 stray cats in Istanbul. For her debut film director Ceyda Torun designed a special camera with which she could film at ‘cat height’,
so that the film contains a lot of unique action images and the cats become real characters. But Kedi is not just a cat film, it is a beautiful ode to Istanbul, its cats and its inhabitants.
78
SHORT DOCUMENTARIES 79
Director Jonathan Ignatius Green Country USA Year 2017 Runtime 4 min. Editor Peter Garriott Cinematography Martim Vian Production Conscious Minds
1997: BIRTH OF THE CAMERA PHONE The story of the very first picture send by a cell phone, included a great deal of DIY-craftsmanship. 1997 was a fruitful year for Philippe Kahn. He not did not only invent the first camera for cell phones but also his daughter Sofia was born. But there is more: both events occurred on the same day, there for the first picture send by the cell phone was one of his new-born daughter. A heart-warming anecdote about the fatherhood of an inventor. This short film will be screened before the feature film Nokia Mobile: We Were Connecting People.
80
Director Lauren DeFilippo Country USA Year 2017 Runtime 9 min. Editor Lauren DeFilippo Cinematography Lauren DeFilippo Production Raised by Woles Production, Katherine Gorringe Contact information Lauren DeFilippo 220 Carlton Ave. Garden Apt. 11205 Brooklyn NY USA P +1 3473311269
CLEAN HANDS The Daytona Beach Drive-In Christian Church has been offering services from the convenience of your car since 1953. The film structures itself around one Sunday morning service in the peak of the Florida summer heat. Parishioners are greeted with wine and communion packaged in Dixie cups as they enter the outdoor church and settle on a parking space. The camera roves over the vast lawn of worshippers as they find refuge, tuning into 88.5FM and watching Pastor Bob Kemp-Baird as he delivers his sermon from a balcony of an A-frame house. In a congregation
where a honk is understood as an amen, this particular Sunday the pastor’s sermon centers on the threat technology poses to our spiritual lives and the divide it creates with our relationship to the external world. The short film will be screened before the feature film Highway Confessions.
81
Director Emi Buchwald Country Poland Year 2016 Runtime 20 min. Editor Anna Gontarczyk Cinematography Tomasz Gajewski Production Telewizyjna i Teatralna
EDUCATION In a Polish elementary school the children have to memorize a poem of the national celebrity Julian Tuwin. A miniature life lesson disguised as homework. The phrasing of the poem is a real brain-teaser and the children are faced with the limits of their vocabulary. The parents come to the rescue, but even they don’t have a satisfying answer for every question. Slowly but surely, it dawns on the children that the beauty of poetry can clash with the prose of life, especially when the TV broadcasts an important football match. The short film will be screened before the feature film Dreaming Murakami.
82
Director Zack Canepari Country USA Year 2017 Runtime 15 min. Editor Drea Cooper Cinematography Drea Cooper, Zack Canepari Production Zack Canepari, Drea Cooper
KISH Daniel Kish is one year old when he loses his eyesight. Just like Tobias, the protagonist of Deaf Child, he refuses to be knocked down by his disability. Over the years, Daniel learns to ‘see’ by using sound. A unique method that resulted in the loving nickname ‘Batman’ and that made him the subject of this short documentary. By using experimental techniques, the filmmakers succeeds in visualising Daniels sonic vision to the viewers. The short film will be screened before the feature film Deaf Child.
83
Director Astrid Bussink Country The Netherlands Year 2017 Runtime 15 min. Editor Riekje Ziengs Cinematography Sander Roeleveld Production Een van de jongens, Renko Douze
LISTEN The Child Helpline of The Netherlands is available for all children and youngsters between the age of 8 and 18 years who wish to speak confidentially. Listen gives a discrete inside look at the conversations that the children have for the helpline. Ranging from divorced parents and loneliness to struggles with their sexuality; everyone who calls the Child Helpline meets a sympathetic ear. Sometimes the conversations are more light-hearted and even humorous. Each audio fragment of the conversations is parred with fitting images, sometimes colourful and expressive, other times modest and confusing.
This short film will be screened before the feature film 69 Minutes of 86 Days.
84
Director Lance Oppenheim Country USA Year 2017 Runtime 9 min. Editor Lance Oppenheim, Ien Chi Cinematography Benjamin Rutkowski Production Matt Diegan
NO JAIL TIME ‘Sentencing videos’ is a flourishing phenomenon in the American juridical world. Criminal attorneys contact independent filmmakers – or sometimes take up the camera themselves – to make an empathic mini documentary about their defendants. Although these video’s copy every method used in a classic documentary, their target audience is limited to one pair of eyes: that of the judge. The only goal of these ‘biographic’ documents is to plea bargain at all costs … This short film will be screened before the feature film The Judge.
85
Director Charlie Lyne Country USA Year 2017 Runtime 17 min. Editor Charlie Lyne Cinematography Charlie Lyne Production Field of Vision, Laura Poitras, Charlotte Cook
PERSONAL TRUTH December 2016: the climax of ‘Pizzagate’. After months of online speculation and conspiracy theories – several leading politicians of the Democratic Party would be using a local pizzeria as a home base for a paedophile network – Edgar Welch took action. Why did he believe so strongly in this implausible story? Edgar Welch entered the pizza place fully armed to single handily rescue the alleged victims. Welch thought he would be the hero of the story but became a national fall-guy. How did he get so blinded by the most frantic conspiracy theories? Director Charlie Lyne, once a believer of a similar British story, composes a sympathetic portrait of Welch’s who is consumed by his ‘personal truth’.
This short film will be screened before the feature film Right Between Your Ears.
86
Director Fraser Munden Country Canada Year 2013 Runtime 13 min. Editor Fraser Munden Cinematography Fraser Munden Production Thoroughbread Pictures, Fraser Munden, Michael Glasz
THE CHAPERONE Teachers, a underestimated profession that deals with a lot of shortages. In the 70’s, Ralp Whims experienced this firsthand in the basement of the small church where he chaperoned the prom of the high school students. A couple of hours into the party, it was crashed by a motor gang who violently disrupted the event. But they didn’t count on meeting Ralph, who single handily escorted the gang outside. The Chaperone is a tribute to martial arts, complete with animated fight scenes, a casual voice-over of Whims himself, accompanied with magnificent Blaxploitation music. The short film will be screened before the feature film The Night.
87
Director Alain Delannoy Country Canada Year 2016 Runtimeb 9 min. Editor Alain Delannoy Cinematography Alain Dellanoy Production Alain Delannoy
THE TALK – TRUE STORIES ABOUT THE BIRDS & THE BEES There are some events that one never forgets. ‘The Talk’, that awkward confrontation with a parent about sexuality is one of them, if you like it or not … By using hand-drawn as well as computer generated images, pictures and stop motion techniques, The Talk reconstructs the memories that different individuals have of this highly shameful but inevitable event of their youth. A celebration of awkwardness and recognition. This short film will be screened before the feature film Etgar Keret: Based on a True Story.
88
Director Jay Cheel Country Canada Year 2016 Runtime 15 min.
TWISTED In the summer of 1996, something unusual happened in Thorold, Ontario. During the screening of the disaster movie Twister, the local drive-in cinema itself is hit by a tornado. Or is this an urban legend? At the time, the news headlined all national media and two decades later, it remains a remarkable, unsolved mystery. Was this really a unique moment where nature imitated mankind or is this an overblown urban legend? Documentary filmmaker Jay Cheel does his own investigation. This short film will be screened before the feature film The Rebel Surgeon.
89
DOCVILLE + MORE THAN FILMS 90
In the last few years, DOCVILLE has made a trademark out of its framework. In addition to film screenings, there is DOCVILLE+: debates and panel discussions on current themes in response to a film on the program.
THURSDAY 22.03 19h30 The Cleaners 21h15 Panel discussion
DOCVILLE+ (SELF) CENSORSHIP THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA LOCATION: CINEMA ZED-STUK
We all know some familiar examples of overzealous Facebook censorship. A photo exhibition showing a bare breast, an (un)popular opinion flagged by several users or the historically essential picture of the naked napalm girl ... They are removed from social media, usually without any explanation and with hardly a possibility to complain. Who checks the millions of messages, photos and videos that are uploaded on social media every day? And is it a good thing that our information channels are being checked by an (American) multinational? Moderated by Jeroen Baert (computer scientist and stand-up comedian), with, among others, Nathalie Van Raemdonck.
FRIDAY 23.03 | 20h Unrest | 22h Panel discussion
DOCVILLE+ CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME & FIBROMYALGIA - A TIME FOR UNREST LOCATION: AUDITORIUM VESALIUS
For many people, including doctors, fibromyalgia and CFS are still unknown conditions. In some countries (such as Denmark) they are classed as purely psychosomatic disorders, while in other countries dedicated researchers are looking for ways to treat the symptoms. During the panel discussion, the complex problems that CVS entails are discussed in more detail. Get an overview of the scientific state of affairs and some hopeful routes being explored. A cooperation with Wake-up call Movement (interest group CVS and Fibromyalgia). In the presence of Dr. Jim Faas (Netherlands) and Professor dr. Em. Frank Comhaire (UGent), moderated by Gunter De Bock (WUCB).
SUNDAY 25.03 | 15h Right Between Your Ears | 17h Panel discussion
DOCVILLE+ WHY DO PEOPLE GET STUCK IN STRANGE CONVICTIONS? LOCATION: CINEMA ZED-VESALIUS
Although we like to believe that we live in a rational society – in which people can be convinced by rational arguments – the opposite often seems true. Despite (or just because of) the excess of evidence, there are people who continue to believe that the earth is flat, that the world will perish on a certain date or that the moon landing was fake. How can that be explained? Why do we believe such deviant ideas and how do we get stuck? Why is it so difficult to convince some people? How do we approach this as a critical society? In cooperation with SKEPP vzw.
91
MONDAY 26.03 19h30 Leuven ’68 21h Panel discussion
TUESDAY 27.03 20h AlphaGo 21h45 Panel discussion
DOCVILLE+ THE HERITAGE OF ’68: CURSE OR BLESSING?
DOCVILLE+ ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: HOW DOES A COMPUTER LEARN?
LOCATION: AUDITORIUM VESALIUS
LOCATION: AUDITORIUM VESALIUS
The film Leuven ‘68 looks back at the legendary Leuven student revolt. In the debate, the panel members look back at the events and their consequences. But the discussion is broader than that; did the revolts of ‘68 really make for a social and mental upheaval, on top of a political change? What exactly is the legacy of ‘68? With, among others, Minister of State Mark Eyskens, Prof. dr. em. Louis Vos and Kris Merckx. Moderator: Ivan De Vadder
The days when computers were only suitable for rapidly calculating every possibility and then making the right choice are over. With Machine Learning a computer learns in a ‘human way’: it learns not only by imitating others, but also by trial and error in complex situations. In this panel discussion, in cooperation with Prof. dr. Dr. Luc De Raedt of the Department of Computer Science at KU Leuven, we discuss the latest developments, the biggest challenges and what we can expect in the (not so) distant future in the field of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence.
92
DOCVILLE @ CANVAS 93
Every year, Canvas, a valuable partner of DOCVILLE for many years, presents its own program at the festival. This year the channel has chosen two very different documentaries. A new documentary in the renowned Belpop series tells the story of Luc De Vos, Flemish rock hero, songwriter, television character and writer. In addition, there is an exclusive preview of the brand-new series Reset: powerful stories about people who are being challenged by fate. Thomas Vanderveken will host the evening.
CAMP 14: TOTAL CONTROL ZONE
FAITHFULL
GOD LIVES IN BERCHEM
Director Marc Wiese Germany, South-Korea - 2012 - 1u30
Director Sandrine Bonnaire France - 2017 - 1u02
Director Dimitri Van Zeebroeck Belgium - 2018 - 5x49min.
Shin Dong-Huyk is born as the son of two political prisoners in a North-Korean reeducation camp. When he escapes at the age of 23 with the help of a fellow prisoner, he flees to South-Korea. His testimony and those of a former guard and a secret agent present a chilling reality of the living conditions in North-Korea. Director Marc Wiese shows the testimonies and makes use of animations to resurrect Shin’s memories.
Scandals, drugs and homelessness but also artistic resurrections, recognition and worldwide success. Marianne Faithfull lived it all, often in the same decade. Faithfull is a candid portrait mixed with insightful interviews with the diva herself.
Photographer and director Dimitri Van Zeebroeck used to roam the world to document stories. For the first time, he focuses his camera on this own neighbourhood: OudBerchem. An area with around 30 places of worship, churches and other philosophical spaces within a couple of 100 meters. In the 7 episodes, Van Zeebroeck portrays the interesting mix of 6 religious communities and one humanist community.
94
I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO
LOVE AND HATE CRIME
Director Raoul Peck Belgium, France, VS, Switzerland 2016 - 1u33
Director Ben Steele VS - 2018 - 3x58 min.
In this Belgian co-production Raoul Peck starts from an unfinished novel by African American writer James Baldwin and travels through the black history of the civil rights movement in the 60’s, connecting it to the current #BlackLivesMatter.
What if you are ‘different’ from the average American? Based on three hate crimes against transgenders, black people and the LGBTQ community, Love and Hate Crime portrays the continuous negative perception around ‘being different’ in the United States.
ROCK ‘N’ ROLL GUNS FOR HIRE: THE STORY OF THE SIDEMAN Director Francis Whately UK - 2017 - 1u30
For over 40 years Ear Slick aka ‘Slicky’ stood by the side of David Bowie, on stage as well as off stage. Slicky had the right characteristics to be the perfect ‘sideman’: humble, reliable and very talented. A unique inside look at the unknown profession at the side of the stage.
THE GOOD POSTMAN Director Tonislav Hristov Bulgaria, Finland - 2016 - 1u20
In a small border village in Bulgaria, the citizens witness the passage of hundreds of immigrants. Postman Ivan would like to welcome the immigrants to prevent the extinction of the ageing village, but not everyone is convinced of his plan …
95
ACTIVITIES FOR PROFESSIONALS 96
23.03 | 14h-17h
25.03 | 17h | Auditorium STUK
SPEEDDATE PRODUCERS/ DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKERS
MASTERTALK ERIK GANDINI
Are you a beginning documentary filmmaker or journalist? Do you have a good idea for a documentary, but are you struggling with the next step? For the second time, DOCVILLE is organizing the DOCVILLE Speeddate in collaboration with the Screenwriters Guild. It is the ideal opportunity to bridge the gap between young documentary makers with a good idea and production houses.
The central guest at the festival is the Italian-Swedish director Erik Gandini, a filmmaker who like no other dares to look behind the façade of our ‘perfect’ Western world. He made international furore with, among others, Surplus, Videocracy and last year’s The Swedish Theory of Love. His latest film – The Rebel Surgeon – is currently enjoying an impressive festival tour.
29.03 | 10h | Cinema ZED-Vesalius
CANVAS NIGHT Wed 28.03 | 20h Cinema ZED-Vesalius Every year, Canvas, a valuable partner of DOCVILLE for many years, presents its own program at the festival. This year the channel has chosen two very different documentaries. A new documentary in the renowned Belpop series tells the story of Luc De Vos, Flemish rock hero, songwriter, television character and writer. In addition, there is an exclusive preview of the brandnew series Reset: powerful stories about people who are being challenged by fate. Thomas Vanderveken will host the evening.
DAY OF THE DOC 23.03 | 18h | Cinema ZED-Vesalius
LEZING: ‘THE SENSE AND NONSENSE OF A SCENARIO WHEN MAKING DOCUMENTARIES’ You would not immediately associate a long, written scenario with a documentary. And yet, even though a documentary always has to capture reality, a scenario is often indispensable. Christina Vandekerckhove, director of the award-winning documentary Rabot, takes us into her creative process.
This year, the Day of the Doc – the annual day for the professional documentary filmmaker in Flanders - focuses on the Media & Society initiative of the European Documentary Network (EDN). This initiative aims to produce a blueprint for a sustainable documentary sector within Europe and tries to bring all stakeholders together. Flanders contributes too: we create a ‘State of the Doc’ of the current situation, discuss problems and opportunities, present a case study, and formulate wishes and recommendations for the future.
SABAM NIGHT Mon 26.03 | 20h Cinema ZED-Vesalius Authors’ association SABAM supports audiovisual authors, both young emerging talent and directors who have already paid their dues. The program includes We are People by Nick Balthazar, a hopeful documentary about what it means for young refugees to be new Belgians. Also enjoy VAF Wildcard winner The Jungle Knows You Better Than I Do (Juanita Onzaga), Hugs & Hurricane (Diego Nurse) and Little Bucharest (Sam Geyskens).
97
PRACTICAL INFORMATION 98
€ 49
FESTIVAL
PAS
PRICES
TICKET SALE
Ticket € 8.5
Online www.docville.be
Discount ticket € 7
Ticket office festival centre A. Vesaliusstraat 9c | 3000 Leuven | 016/679.235
All screenings from 21h. Holders of a Pupil’s card (high school students), Teacher card, Culture card, STUK card
DOCVILLE screenings start exactly on time.
Zesxzed card € 42 (=6 tickets)
This card is not strictly personal. For sale and valid at all screening locations.
Festival pass € 49
LOCATIONS 1. Festival centre: Cinema ZED—Vesalius and Auditorium Vesalius A. Vesaliusstraat 9c Open: from 30 min. before screening until 15 min. after the start of screening. For more details, check www.docville.be.
3
FESTIVAL PASS
P
ACCESS TO ALL SCREENINGS + 3 MONTHS FREE ACCESS TO DALTON.BE MORE INFO AT WWW.DOCVILLE.BE/FESTIVALPAS
+ Festivalcafé: Het Strand - above the cinema 2. Cinema ZED—STUK / STUK Art Centre / STUKcafé
P
Naamsestraat 96 1 2
Open: weekdays: open from 10h until 15 min. after the start of the last screening. Sat 24.03: 17h30-21h45 Sun 25.03: 13h30-16h15 and 18h-21h45
3. Kinepolis Bondgenotenlaan 145 P
Open: from 30 min. before screening until 15 min. after the start of screening.
99
ABOUT LEUVEN Leuven is a relatively small city (100.000 inhabitants), Twenty kilometers near Brussels. Leuven is widely known for two things: it harbours one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe. The KU Leuven was founded in 1425 and has more than 55.000 students today. Leuven is also the hometown of INBEV, the largest brewery in the world, famous for its beer Stella Artois (since 1366), one of the best known (and may we add: best tasting) beers. Leuven itself was founded in the 11th century and has a fabulous historic city centre (with the magnificent town hall) and a worldwide known Beguinage (officially recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage site). Due to the creative input of students, it always stayed a vivid, young and creative environment. In a city where the historical buildings are only surpassed by the number of pubs and bars (following our last count: 180, but it’s possible we’ve missed some) there is always something going on. Leuven harbours a series of interesting cultural organisations and events. Besides DOCVILLE there’s also the International Arts Centre STUK (www.stuk.be), the M-Museum (www.mleuven.be), the local cultural center 30CC (www.30CC.be), The Afrika Film Festival (www.afrikafilmfestival.be), the club concerts of Het Depot (www. depot.be), the International Short Film Festival Leuven (www.kortfilmfestival.be) and so on.
THE ROAD TO LEUVEN Leuven is a 20 minute drive from the Brussels National Airport (10 minutes by train). The lowcost airline company, Ryanair, flies to Charleroi or Zaventem from several cities. BY PLANE
In Brussels-Midi/zuid trains arrive from every corner of Europe.If you are coming from London you can take the Eurostar. If you are coming from France, Germany or the Netherlands, you could take a train of the Thalys network. For international timetables, inform with our guest coordinator.
BY TRAIN
BY CAR Leuven is situated close to the A3 (in Belgium called E40) highway between Brussels and Liège (Luik). Coming from the north; follow the A2 (in Belgium called the E314) between Leuven and Genk.
MORE INFORMATION You can find more detailed information about Leuven on the official website of the city (www.leuven.be) or at the Tourist Information Bureau (Naamsestraat 1, 3000 Leuven).
© Toerisme Leuven
100
praktische opleidingen voor volwassenen
opendeurdag cvo vti leuven
woensdag 2 mei 2018 tussen 18.30 u. en 21.30 u. FOODMARKET doorlopend
WORKSHOPS
Gin-tonic loungebar gratis culinaire proevertjes
Bier, kaas maken, tapas, chocolade en dessertkoekjes, wereldwijnen, foodpairing
gratis en zonder voorinschrijving
INFOSTANDEN EN DEMO’S Inschrijvingen doorlopend
OPEN LESSEN doorlopend
Lassen - Hout - Klussen - Elektriciteit - Fietshersteller - Automechanica
Uw partner voor elektrisch rijden!
openlesmomenten
Specifieke Lerarenopleiding - Keuken- en zaalopleidingen - Wijnkennis - Bierkennis - Chocolade - Bakkerij - Kleding naaien Hoeden & accessoires maken - Aanvullende Algemene Vorming - Opvoeder/begeleider Interculturele medewerker - Verzorgende Zorgkundige - Logistiek assistent (infosessies om 18 u. en om 19.30 u. voor de 2 laatste opleidingen)
workshops demo’s
INSCHRIJVINGEN vanaf 18.30 u. Start inschrijvingen schooljaar 2018-2019. Voorkom teleurstelling, schrijf je op tijd in voor populaire opleidingen!
www.vti-leuven.be/volwassenenonderwijs
EVENTS I LAADOPLOSSINGEN I HUUR & LEASE CVO VTI LEUVEN, Brabançonnestraat 18, 3000 Leuven VitaeMobility bvba I Fabriekstraat 38 bus 8 I 2547 LINT www.vitaemobility.com I info@vitaemobility.com
101
WELKOM BIJ / WELCOME TO
HOTEL IBIS
Leuven CENTRUM Wij reserveren elke vrijdag het beste zitje. Hotel in het historische centrum van Leuven op 300 meter afstand van de Grote en de Oude Markt met diverse restaurants en cafés, op loopafstand van universiteit, theater, M-Museum en winkels. Het hotel ligt op slechts 20 km van de luchthaven van Brussel. Alle 75 kamers zijn niet-roken en hebben airconditioning, multimedia-tv, snel internet en gratis WiFi. Controleer gratis uw e-mail in de internetruimte, geniet aan de 24-uurs bar van een Belgisch biertje of een snack. Het hotel heeft een eigen parkeerterrein. The hotel is located in the historic center of Leuven, only 300m away from the Main & Old Market Square with a variety of restaurants & pubs, and a short walk from the university, theater, M-Museum and shops. The hotel is only 20 km from Brussels Airport. All 75 rooms are non-smoking and air-conditioned with multimedia TV, high-speed Internet access and free Wi-Fi. Check your emails for free in the Internet area or enjoy a Belgian beer or snack at the bar (24/24). Hotel has a private car park.
De strafste films thuis in je eigen zetel ! Elke vrijdag 21.15 op canvas
HOTEL IBIS LEUVEN CENTRUM LE BIEN-ÊTRE AU MEILLEUR PRIX
Brusselsestraat 52 – B-3000 Leuven – Belgium T +32 (0) 16 29 31 11 – F +32 (0) 16 23 87 92 - H1457@accor.com Individual reservations: T +32 (0) 16 93 9000 - H1457-RE10@accor.com
ibis.com
102
certified PDF
Gelukszoeker of vluchteling?
Terrorist of geterroriseerd? Gelukszoeker of vluchteling? Profiteur of geschoolde professional? Grenzen dicht of armen open? Pompen of verzuipen? Er zijn veel meer dan twee kanten aan een verhaal. Knack verheldert door de feiten op een rij te zetten. Want hoe beter we de wereld begrijpen, hoe groter de kans dat we hem zullen veranderen.
Vlaamse experts wijzen ouders mett de vinger: ‘We kweken een generatie van medicijnverslaafde kinderen’
Ruslandkenner Mark Galeotti
‘Het liefste zou hijj aftreden. Maar hijj kan niet’ niet’
POETIN IV
TWINTIG JAAR ’T HOF VAN COMMERCE: BRIHANG EN ZWANGERE GUY BLAZEN DE KAARSEN UIT ★ ‘NEW SINCERITY? GADVER!’: KAT STEPPE NEEMT AFSCHEID VAN TABOE
J E A N S
Le nouveau denim est arrivé
De modeweken vanaf de eerste rij
Weinig slapen is het nieuwe roken
50
en dement Als je vader of moeder je niet meer herkent
w w w. k n a c k f o c u s . b e HOORT BIJ HET WEEKBLAD KNACK NR.11 VAN 14 TOT 20 MAART 2018 KNACK FOCUS, ELKE WEEK SAMEN MET KNACK EN KNACK WEEKEND ISSN.2031-664X
EXCLUSIEF
Jack White ‘Ik heb een bowlingbaan in mijn huis. Iedereen die er komt bowlen, krijgt zijn eigen bal. Ja, Bob Dylan ook.’
MAAK NU KENNIS MET KNACK OP KNACK.BE/PROEF
Helemaal anders. Helemaal Knack.
103 OB70579_Autopromo_297x166.indd 1
16/03/18 08:51
TAILOR-MADE VISUAL COMMUNICATION INFLATABLES & LARGE FORMAT PRINT
#airyourviews
wwwx-treme.eu 104
Mogen we u ook uitdagen als het op film aankomt? Onze redactie gidst u het hele jaar door filmland met exclusieve interviews, messcherpe recensies en voortreffelijke filmtips. We zijn dus dus niet toevallig officiĂŤle partner van Docville.
De Morgen. Partner van Docville.
DM_imago_Docville_297x166.indd 1
08-03-18 15:19
105
Sabam promoot Belgische documentairemakers
sabam.be
Meer informatie? Contacteer Marleen Francois marleen.francois@sabam.be of 02/286 82 72
106
COLOFON Festival Director Frank Moens Head of Production Nina Vanschoonlandt Press and Communication Sara Vandaele Coordination Ticketing & Volunteers Evelien Cockx Assistant Programmer, Bookings & Operator Jonas Cantoro Production Assistant Dieter Balis Press Assistant Marieke De Pelsmaeker Promotion Assistant Jules Jordens Text Editor & Finances Bie Geivers Technician & operator Wouter Elsen
Chief operators Cedric De Maesschalk Bert Bertels Operators Johan Krist Roel D’hont Simon Donceel Gillis Hermans Graphic Design Lotte Haesendonck Trailer & Graphic Animations Vincent Langouche Ticketing Chris Vandebroek Eulalie Decupere Hannah Geerinckx Remo Verdickt Carmen Florusse Tine Van Kerkhoven An De Winter Q&A Moderators Frank Moens Koen Monserez Vincent Langouche Jonas Cantoro Science advisor Gaston Moens
Science Expo Gaston Moens Henri Eisendrath Henry Rowley Johan Krist Jonas Jongejan Jongmin Kim Nick Fox-Gieg Nils Faber Patrick Tresset Seth Bling SightCorp Takashi Kawashima Trainees Margaux Bertier Lize Cuypers English Translation Sofie Rycken General Coordinator Fonk vzw Johan Van Schaeren Preselection advisors Cedric De Maesschalk, Gert Cuypers, Johan Krist, Katharina Liebert, Koen De Saeger, Pieter De Saeger, Roel D’Hont, Rosemarie Strengholt
ZED volunteering team Mercedes, Paulette, Anna, Anne-Marie, Liesbeth, Viviane, Rik, Patrick, Barbara, Lutgarde, Leen, Dirk DOCVILLE volunteering team Agnes, Alejandro, Alexia, Amanda, Amber, An, Anette, Anneleen, Chris, Christel, Christophe, Daphne, Diana, Eline, Elise, Esther, Eva, Freddy, Gerlinde, Guido, Göran, Hilda, Inge, Isaak, Jan, JeanMarc, Jelle, Jinbo, Joeri, Jonas, Julienne, Katleen, Lana, Laura, Laurens, Leonie, Liese, Loran, Magdalena, Marcia, Martijn, Maxim, Mercedes, Michiel, Mona, Nathalie, Renild, Rosalie, Samira, Sara, Sergeï, Sien, Sinan, Sophia, Tijs, Umut Sponsors & partners 30CC, Beeld en Geluid, Canvas, Creative Europe Media Vlaanderen, CVO/VTI Leuven, Davidsfonds Academy, De Morgen, De Vlaamse Gemeenschap, Flanders Doc, Groep T, Ibis Centrum Leuven, Kinepolis, Knack Focus, KU Leuven, Mediarte, Radio 1, SABAM for Culture, Scenaristengilde, Stad Leuven, STUK Huis voor Dans, Unie van Regisseurs, Vitae Mobility, Vlaams Audiovisueel Fonds, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, X-Treme Creations
Thanks to Anna Van der Wee, Bart Coenen, Bart Maes, Bettina Berendt, Christopher Quinn, Daniel Cross, Erik Gandini, Eyest vzw, Fanny Hidvégi, Frank Comhaire, Google Creative Lab, Gunther De Bock, Ivan De Vadder, Jan Ramon, Jeroen Baert, Jeroen Bart, Jim Faas, Johan Braeckman, Kris Merckx, Leen Engelen, Lieven Trio, Louis Vos, Luc De Raedt, Luc De Raedt, Mark Eyskens, Marleen Finoulst, Martin Horyna, Mortiz Riesewieck, Nathalie Van Raemdonck, Neasa Ní Chianáin, Paul De Belder, Philippe van Parijs, Photonics Explorer, SightCorp, SKEPP vzw, STUK Onthaal, Tim Cools, Tinne Tuytelaars, Tom Bleyaert, Wake-Up Call Beweging, Ward Verrycken, Yves Moreau General Assembly Fonk Vzw Henk Cluytens, Maarten Le Roy, Jan Bosmans, Sanne Clerinx, Ruben Nollet, Roel Vande Winkel, Gudrun Burie Contact DOCVILLE | Fonk Vzw, A. Vesaliusstraat 9c, 3000 Leuven, info@ docville.be, www.docville.be
107
! docville " @docville_be $ @docville_be #docville2018 108