Anna Giralt GRIS, Ross DOMONEY
Korean Premiere
In 2017, the citizens of Catalonia voted to become an independent state. The referendum was then deemed illegal in Spain¡¯s constitutional court. Through on-the-street conversations and actual WhatsApp chats, join the voters as they head to the polls and anxiously await the results.
This film charts the political events that took place in Catalonia from October 2017 till January of the following year. Text messages are used to convey people¡¯s opinions on the issue of independence. As if to maintain its neutrality, the film alternately shows opposing opinions. In case of group chats, people sometimes try not to displease the others. However, perhaps these messages reveal far more than any interview taken with a microphone dose. Both sides – those wishing to remain as part of Spain and those in support of Catalonia¡¯s independence – respond fiercely. The film concludes with a resolute message from the former Catalan president, and we come to realize all over again where democracy should aim to reach. Spain in the 20th century experienced a civil war and dictatorship. The 21st civil war does not feature guns. It is unclear whether the images in this film represent a new model of war or a chaotic situation sprung from democracy. One thing is for sure however. Linguistic expressions are symbolic of diversification and at the same time, a tool that can cause more pain than weapons. [LEE Yongcheol]
Anna Giralt GRIS
Europe Trap (2013)About Home (2008)A Different Life (2005)A Human Shield Diary (2003)One Day Around Iran (2002)
Ross DOMONEY
Paris, Don't Bury Your Dreams (2015)Gazi to Gezi: A Stones Throw Away (2014)High Price of Gold (2012)
Field of Vision 1 443 834 3203 / june@fieldofvision.org