Introduction to the Venice Film Festival
The Venice Film Festival has unfolded this year amidst a tense geopolitical backdrop, with the Gaza crisis and the ongoing war in Ukraine taking center stage. As a result, there are concerns that politics may overshadow the cinema this year. The festival has become a platform for filmmakers to express their thoughts and opinions on the current state of the world.
The Role of Filmmakers in the Current Political Context
At a press conference for his Golden Lion candidate film "orphan", Hungarian director László Nemes was asked about the role of filmmakers in the current political context. Nemes gave a thoughtful answer, stating that as a filmmaker, there are some things that can be done and some things that cannot be done. He strives to build human connections and relationships between people through his films.
Building Human Connections through Film
Nemes emphasized the importance of creating a space for the audience to think and feel, rather than telling them what to think or manipulating their emotions. He wants his films to be honest and to create a dynamic that is for everyone, for civilization. This approach allows the audience to connect with the film on a deeper level and to reflect on their own experiences and emotions.
The Duality of Civilization
Nemes also spoke about the duality of civilization, where there are two forces at play – humanism and anti-humanism. This duality is not easy to solve and is intertwined, producing complex and often conflicting results. He believes that this duality is at the heart of civilization and can produce both positive and negative outcomes.
The Inspiration behind "orphan"
"orphan" is Nemes’ third feature film, and it is inspired by the stories of his father, filmmaker András Jeles, and his grandmother. The film touches on the idea of generational trauma and how it can affect individuals and societies. Nemes has been living with the trauma of the 20th century his whole life, and this film is a way for him to process and understand it.
From Personal to Universal
When writing the script with Clara Royer, Nemes found that the story took on a broader dimension, going beyond his family’s experiences. The film summarizes the trauma that we continue to carry within ourselves, not just as individuals but as a country and a continent. This universal theme is what makes "orphan" a powerful and thought-provoking film.
Conclusion
The Venice Film Festival has provided a platform for filmmakers like László Nemes to express their thoughts and opinions on the current state of the world. Through his film "orphan", Nemes has shown that cinema can be a powerful tool for building human connections and understanding the complexities of civilization. As the festival continues, it will be interesting to see how other filmmakers address the geopolitical backdrop and the role of cinema in shaping our understanding of the world.
