October 17 - October 29
The 62nd Viennale is represented by a motif that comes from the deep sea. An alga called delesseria lancifolia functions as an initial spark, as a springboard, so to speak, yet in its form is reminiscent of outstretched wings and the notion of ascending. The image of awakening and new beginnings also inspired this year’s film selection, which brings together perspectives from all corners of the globe that reflect on the world and share its concerns. Because every day, we awake from sleep that is becoming increasingly less restful to a new day of war. So, in these dark times for our civilization, we’re doing what we can to preserve, offer, and protect a space for encounters and dialogue – and in this way, peacefully yet consistently taking a stand against what the politics of intolerance tries to hide and still disseminate: contempt.
Running through our program’s sections are both an in-depth reflection on politics as well as a close examination of interpersonal relationships. Many of the selected films are about young people, observing them in their present, showing their relationship to an uncertain future. Another virulent topic is the way humans interact with flora and fauna. And it’s not only in this context that the ethical categories and definitions underlying the concept of the individual will be subjected to critical scrutiny. This raises further questions about an individual defined in such a way in a social community and, above all, about an individual’s responsibilities. Contemporary cinema questions – bluntly but also creatively and inspiringly – the values and morals of a world that is based on power structures that are beginning to crumble in the current political, social and economic crisis. (Eva Sangiorgi)
You can find the complete film program here!
TEXTUR
The seventh volume of our publication series, TEXTUR #7, is dedicated to Roberto Minervini. The Viennale had already brought attention to the filmmaker, who was born in 1970 in Italy and worked in the United States, back in 2018. This year at the festival in Cannes, in THE DAMNED – whose story is set during the American Civil War – Minervini introduced a film that could be regarded as a turning point in his creative oeuvre.
As usual, this issue of TEXTUR will also include contributions by authors, who, coming from a variety of backgrounds, are close to Minervini and/or his filmic work. A contextual essay by Mark Peranson opens this edition. This is followed by an essay by Devika Girish; a brilliant analysis by Minervini’s main editor, Marie-Hélène Dozo; a dialogue between Paolo Benzi and Denise Ping Lee; as well as a wonderful conversation between Minervini and his fellow Italian director Michelangelo Frammartino. In addition, the authors Goffredo Fofi, Pablo Marin, Rachael Rakes, Payal Kapadia, and Jessica Sarah Rinland, among others, contribute their thoughts on Minervini’s filmmaking.
TEXTUR #7 - available soon!
VIENNALE ZENTRALINO
The Viennale Zentrale will be a little smaller this year, but even cozier: Viennale Zentralino. This year, talks and discussions with filmmakers and experts about the festival program will take place on the upper floor of the Metro Kinokulturhaus. There will be a pleasant lounge atmosphere for lively discussions and chats before and after the events. Coffee and drinks will be provided.
More information and all events here!
VIENNALE PARTYS
Viennale goes club tour: this year, the festival is taking its party line on a pop-up tour to various locations in the city. On three selected evenings, the Viennale will host parties with exclusive DJs in three established Viennese club institutions, just a stone's throw away from the festival cinemas.