+++++ May 11 - 30, 2012: Retrospective "50 years of the Oberhausen Manifesto"
of 7 feature films and 6 short film programmes at arsenal cinema, Berlin +++++
Mavericks, Mouvements, Manifestos, 29. April 2012
Mavericks, Mouvements, Manifestos, 29 April 2012
A discussion on temporary affiliations between filmmakers, artists and intellectuals who make themselves heard through manifestos, rallying cries and declarations of intent — and whether they’re fit to face present-day challenges.
"The old film is dead. We believe in the new one."
On 28 February 1962, at the 8th West German Short Film Festival in Oberhausen, 26 West German filmmakers proclaimed the Oberhausen Manifesto. This moment marked a milestone in the development of German cinema – never before, and never again, would a break with existing production conditions be demanded, and induced, with such vehemence.
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Oberhausen Manifesto, the project "Provoking Reality – 50 Years of the Oberhausen Manifesto" provides a concrete basis for addressing this proclamation and related 1960s movements aiming at cinematic, cultural and political renewal in Germany.
"I associate the historical catchword 'Oberhausen Manifesto' with that other catchword 'auteur film', with artists such as Alexander Kluge, Edgar Reitz, the Schamonis, who took the not inconsiderable risk of making a film single-handedly, writing the screenplay themselves and also directing in order to give their productions a very personal signature. For me, this is the achievement that has endured, even when it didn’t always lead to unqualified success, especially for a producer."
(Prof. Regina Ziegler, August 2011)