Scenes from the Class Struggle in Portugal

After the success of MILESTONES at Cannes, Kramer travelled to Portugal with Philip Spinelli to witness the radical changes following the Carnation Revolution in April 1974. “Robert Kramer and his group came neither as tourists nor to teach anyone a lesson. They came to observe, to understand and to live here. And, most of all, to love” (Isabel do Carmo, co-founder of the Brigadas Revolucionárias). SCENES FROM THE CLASS STRUGGLE IN PORTUGAL shows the euphoria generated by the new era and gives mothers, farmers, workers and soldiers a chance to have their say. Completed in 1976, the film is followed by a disenchanted postscript from November 1978: the achievements of the revolution have been nullified, the land reform reversed, leftists are in prison. “A return to the language (mentality) of Salazar’s fascism. But in 1974, Portugal was the freest country in the world.” SCENES FROM THE CLASS STRUGGLE IN PORTUGAL marks the beginning of the second phase of Kramer’s career, which also ended ten years later back in Portugal with DOC’S KINGDOM (1987). (Volker Pantenburg)

All retrospective films that will be shown at the Filmmuseum after the Viennale - from 30.10. - can of course also be reserved as usual at filmmuseum.at or by calling 01/533 70 54 and purchased at the box office of the Austrian Film Museum. The prices of the Austrian Film Museum apply.

Robert Kramer (selection): IN THE COUNTRY (1967), THE EDGE (1968), ICE (1969), MILESTONES (1975), SCENES FROM THE CLASS STRUGGLE IN PORTUGAL (1977), GUNS (1980), NOTRE NAZI (1984), DOC'S KINGDOM (1987), X-COUNTRY. BEING A WEDDING BETWEEN US AND THE FARABUNDO MARTÍ LIBERATION FRONT IN PRESIDENT MONROE’S OLD HOUSE (1987/2022), ROUTE ONE/USA (1989), VIDÉOLETTRES ROBERT KRAMER / STEPHEN DWOSKIN (1991), WALK THE WALK (1996), CITÉS DE LA PLAINE (2000)