Unveiling the Future of Cinematic Expression at FILMS - Art and Film?

Exploring the Uncharted Territory of Cinema and Art

The FILMS - Art and Film? program represents a unique convergence of cinematic exploration and artistic expression, taking place at Tokyo Midtown Hibiya during the ART FAIR TOKYO 20. Organized by A TOKYO Co., under the direction of President Kiichi Kitajima, this program aims to delve into the evolution of visual narratives in an era where definitions often elude us.

A Collaborative Endeavor

In partnership with Mitsui Fudosan Co., the program is designed to challenge how filmmakers and artists interpret and convey visual experiences. The event will feature not only a rich exhibition of photographic works curated in collaboration with Amano, but also a series of public talks that invite a deep discussion on the future of visual storytelling.

Featured Artists and Works

The program will showcase a collection of thought-provoking works by notable artists, including:

- Yuki Hirakawa: A presentation titled The Better Way Back to the Soil, which curates a list of films that are now lost or missing.
- Rei Hayama: His work The Movie of Taxidermy experiments with outdated filming technology, illustrating the struggle to adapt in a digital age by using a handmade battery to power traditional cameras.
- Ana Vaz: Atomic Garden, a merging of film and digital that explores themes of nature and human impact.
- Mayumi Hosokura: Her piece newskin #25-ttt emphasizes color and sound in a captivating visual journey.

These pieces question not just how visual art is defined but also how history is remembered and passed on to future generations. The program seeks to reflect on what can be preserved in memory, what slips away, and how art mediates these experiences.

Engaging Discussions

On March 15, from 1:00 PM to 5:50 PM, the program will host its opening talk session. Curator Takashi Sawada will moderate discussions featuring key voices in the film sector:

- Hidenori Okada (National Film Archive)
- Hiroshi Kanetsuki (Exhibition Engineer)
- Yusuke Shono (Editor, Designer)
- Shinjiro Nishino (Director at Gas as Interface)
- Nobutaro Wada (Art Practitioner, Tokyo University of the Arts)

This marks the inaugural session of a series, with subsequent discussions anticipated to unfold online, broadening access to diverse viewpoints in the cinematic community.

The Importance of Conversations

As part of the program, the official website features interviews with various stakeholders involved in film and visual theory, focusing on critical discussions around topics such as disaster broadcasting, experimental cinema, and archiving practices. This aims to provide insights on how to keep the essence of visual expression alive in an ever-evolving cultural landscape.

Notable Interviewees Include:

- Takayuki Kido: With a background in disaster reporting and groundbreaking work in emergency information dissemination.
- Hiroshi Yamashita: Director of the Image Forum Festival and a critical figure in supporting independent films.
- Kenro Kadowaki: Director of Image Forum Festival, emphasizing artistic innovation.

The response from audiences and creators alike will shape how this dialogue evolves.

A Broader Visual Experience

The exhibition is complemented by a photographic section titled PHOTOS, aiming to highlight the lesser-explored narrative capacity of photography within contemporary art markets. This aspect of the program, supported by Amano, seeks to bridge the understanding between photographic and cinematic expressions, showcasing works from prominent galleries and artists.

In summary, FILMS - Art and Film? is not merely an event but a confluence of voices and visions, aiming to redefine how we interact with the visual arts today. Join us at Tokyo Midtown Hibiya to witness the future of cinema unfold.