Towards Mathilde follows the creation of a choreographic work-in-progress by Mathilde Monnier, a kinetic investigator par excellence and stage director at the Choreography Centre in Montpellier, France. Claire Denis, known for offering contemplative examinations of moments and body-sensitive images neglected in typical storytelling, transcends mere documentary in a film that explores the birth, formulation, and performance of a radical new dance piece. “She suggested I come to one of her projects and film it,” recalls Denis. “But I didn’t want that, and I answered that ifshe wanted to work with me, she’d have to hire me as a dancer. She laughed.” 2005,France, color, 35mm, in French with English subtitles, 84 minutes.
Claire Denis is one of French cinema’s most provocative and distinctive filmmakers. Her films include Jacques Rivette, le veilleur (1990), I Can’t Sleep (J’ai pas sommeil) (1994), Nenette et Boni (1996), Good Work (Beau travail) (1999), Trouble Every Day (2001), Friday Night (Vendredi soir) (2002), and The Intruder (L’Intrus) (2004).
Preceded by
Legal Errorist
Directed by Mara Mattuschka
Mattuschka transposes Chris Haring’s choreography for a solo part into a pas de deux with the camera. 2005, Austria, BW, video, 15 minutes.
Born in Sofia, Bulgaria, Mara Mattuschka is a Vienna-based artist who makes experimental films and performances. Her films include Kugelkopf (1985), Les Miserables (1987), S.O.S. Extraterrestria (1993), and Unternehmen Arschmaschine (1997).
and
Wingspan 5’2”
Directed by Emily Johnson
Introduced by the director
A stark dance is repeated in various landscapes and presented in changing assemblies of split screens. 2005, U.S., color, video, 10 minutes.
Minneapolis-based choreographer/curator Emily Johnson’s company Catalyst, dances by emily johnson, has performed throughout the United States. Her recent dance-theater work Heat and Life (2004) was commissioned by the Walker.
