Outdoor film: Celebrating Alternative Cinema This Summer
outdoor film — Outdoor film screenings are set to return to Nicosia with the Images and Views of Alternative Cinema Festival. Scheduled from June 15 to 21, the festival will take place in the inner courtyard of the Hambis Municipal Printmaking Museum, providing a unique setting for cinephiles.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Festival Origins and Organisers
This festival is an initiative of the deputy ministry of culture, in collaboration with the non-profit organisation Brave New Culture. It has become a beloved event for those who appreciate the richness of alternative film, and this year promises a packed programme.
Exploring Contemporary Themes
Amidst what organisers describe as “the turbulence of an increasingly chaotic world,” the festival seeks to highlight the truth revealed through independent creators. They note that the art of these filmmakers serves as a refuge for free thought, especially against the backdrop of rising totalitarian ideologies. The selected films will delve into the possibilities and limits of cinema, challenging conventional storytelling and visual language.
Notable Films and Directors
This year’s programme boasts a selection of films that will intrigue and engage audiences. A major highlight is the work of Hungarian filmmaker Béla Tarr. Renowned for his hypnotic imagery and melancholic themes, Tarr’s films explore deep emotional landscapes. The festival will showcase three of his works: the recently rediscovered student film Cinemarxisme (1979), along with the acclaimed Damnation (1988) and Werckmeister Harmonies (2000), the latter two created in collaboration with Nobel laureate László Krasznahorkai.
Innovative Works by Arianna Economou
Cypriot artist Arianna Economou will also have her work featured, presenting pieces that challenge the boundaries between live performance, dance, and cinema. Economou, a prominent figure in contemporary dance, will showcase her unique approach that merges movement with cinematic expression.
Tributes to Influential Filmmakers
The festival will pay tribute to the inventive Soviet filmmaker Boris Barnet, known for his comic flair and social observations. The tribute, titled Boris Barnet: Comedy and Revolution, will highlight three of his films: The Girl with the Hatbox (1927), The House on Trubnaya Square (1928), and By the Bluest of Seas (1935). Each film showcases Barnet’s lyrical sensitivity and sharp wit.
David Cronenberg’s Defining Era
The festival will also focus on the works of David Cronenberg during the 1980s, a pivotal time in his career. The Cronenberg in the ’80s: Flesh, Paranoia and Technology tribute will feature three of his iconic films: Scanners (1981), Videodrome (1983), and Dead Ringers (1988). These films explore the unsettling intersections of body, mind, and technology, illustrating Cronenberg’s unique voice in the world of horror and psychological cinema.
Animation Beyond the Mainstream
The festival will also include a programme titled Breaking the Mold: Alternative Currents in Animation, featuring early works that diverge from the dominant Disney narrative. Films such as The Adventures of Prince Achmed (1926) by Lotte Reiniger and The New Gulliver (1935) by Aleksandr Ptushko will be screened, highlighting foundational European animation.
Russ Meyer’s Bold Cinematic Vision
Celebrated filmmaker Russ Meyer will be featured as well, known for his provocative and politically charged films. His works, including Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! (1966) and his collaboration with Roger Ebert, Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970), will be showcased, examining themes of social norms and gender stereotypes.
Highlighting Voices in Iranian Cinema
The festival will also present the works of Maryam Tafakory, whose films offer queer feminist perspectives within Iranian cinema. Tafakory’s explorations of desire, censorship, and the politics of the gaze invite audiences to engage with her rich multimedia collages, which blend images and words into a powerful narrative experience.
Festival Details and Accessibility
The Images and Views of Alternative Cinema Festival is an annual event that celebrates alternative world cinema. Screenings will take place each evening at 8pm, and admission is free. However, the films are suitable for audiences aged 18 and above. For more information, attendees can contact the festival at 99-407856 or visit their Facebook page.
