In collaboration with Hong Kong Arts Centre, Hong Kong Actual Images Association presents two documentary screening sessions and a work-in-progress documentary sharing at the “Independently Yours x Contemporary International Documentary Programme – Aftermath”.

 

Taiwanese scholar Guo Lixin once said that a documentary has the capacity of exploring the complex social structure, especially during social unrest. Therefore, while pivoting on the very scene of the social movements, this collaborated programme also pays equal attention to the sequels aroused by the campaign. The aftermath of social movements offers a unique standpoint, allowing us to understand the “connection” and imagine the “extension” of the struggles.

 

The programme presents three documentaries, including how various groups and communities in Thailand manage the arising of patriotism in Homogeneous, Empty Time; the actions of the Russian performance artist who turns his body into the scene for resistance to his authoritarian country in Pavlensky: Life Naked; and the persistent endeavours sequel to Hong Kong’s localism movement featured in a work-in-progress documentary. Amid the chaotic international affairs, the social exploration capabilities of the documentary genre are undoubtedly even more commendable. 

 

Programme schedule

22/5 (Wed) 7:45pm   Pavlensky: Life Naked

23/5 (Thu)  7:45pm   Homogeneous, Empty Time#

24/5 (Fri)    7:45pm   Work-in-Progress Documentary Sharing: Comrade On The Road*

#With after-screening talk (conducted in Thai with Cantonese interpretation). 

 

 

*The screening is a rough-cut sharing workshop at Eric Hotung Studio (on LB level, Hong Kong Arts Centre). Director will attend the after-screening discussion with audience (Conducted in Cantonese). Free admission by registration. Register here. 

 

Director: Darya Khrenova

Russia | 2016 | 71‘ | In Russian with English substitle | HD | Colour 

 

22/5 (Wed) 7:45pm 

 

In Russia, where authoritarianism is in the air, the renowned local anti-government performance artist Petr Pavlensky issues a “war” declaration to the enormous, prison-like country through his body. From lying naked in a coil of barbed wire, nailing his scrotum to the cobblestone of Moscow's Red Square, to sewing his mouth with strands of red thread to protest the arrest of Pussy Riot, Pavlensky's performance art defies the Russian authority in an almost self-harming approach. His actions trigger the suppression from the government, which also becomes a part of his artistic confrontation to the increasingly totalitarian state. 

The works of Pavlensky is never meant to please the audience. Instead, he is exploring the boundary of art and testing the limit of the authoritarian state. Apart from the interviews with Pavlensky's close comrades, the documentary also questioned the police to learn their thought about this lunatic from the “rival camp”. In any case, the leader of the authoritarian regime who disdains the people is always the only one being infuriated.

** Pavlensky: Life Naked is classified as Category III, refunds will be made to ticket holders under 18 years old with the bought ticket from the day of announcement till 27 May 2019 (Monday) at the box office of the Hong Kong Arts Centre. 

 

Homogeneous, Empty Time

Director: Thunska Pansittivorakul, Harit Srikhao

Germany, Thailand | 2017 | 104’ | In Thai with Chinese and English substitles | DCP | Colour 

 

23/5 (Thu) 7:45pm*

*Director will attend the after-screening talk (conducted in Thai with Cantonese interpretation).

 

Based on and titled according to German Jewish philosopher Walter Benjamin’s concept of “Homogeneous and Empty Time”, the documentary probes into the origin of the rising nationalism in Thailand. Through its investigation on various groups across the country including high school students, nationalistic right-wingers, military cadets and Muslims in the southern border, the documentary further explores how the nationalism is shaped through common, daily experience when Thailand was at its most nationalistic and the military regime is in power. 

 

When the military government has the absolute power to control the people through means of withholding and manipulating information, psychological brainwashing, restricting people's behaviours and right, and suppressing the voice of dissidents, even a simple joke about the king’s dog can lead to imprisonment. In the time when tens of thousands of political prisoners are exiled simultaneously, how will the Thai Royal family and the military dictatorship inculcate the Thai people with the extreme "patriotic" value and push the nationalism to a new height?

 

 

Director: Fai Wan

Hong Kong | 2019 | TBC | In Cantonese with no subtitles | HD | Colour

 

24/5 (Fri) 7:45pm 

 

The screening is a work-in-progress documentary sharing at Eric Hotung Studio (on LB level). Director will attend the after-screening discussion with audience (conducted in Cantonese). Free admission by registration. Register Now

 

 

 

 

Ticket price: $75 / 60*

* 20% discount for full-time students, senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities and the minder and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients. Tickets for CSSA recipients available on a first-come-first-served basis. Concessionary ticket holders must produce evidence of their identity or age upon admission.

*20% off for each purchase of 4 or more standard tickets.

 

Internet booking: www.urbtix.hk

Credit card telephone booking: 2111 5999

Mobile ticketing app: My URBTIX (Android & iPhone versions)

Ticketing enquiries: 3761 6661 (10:00-20:00 Daily)

Programme enquiries: 2582 0248

 

Co-presenter: Hong Kong Arts Centre, Hong Kong Actual Images Association