Second Edition
Becoming Landscape
“It could be said that the orchid imitates the wasp, reproducing its image in a signifying fashion (mimesis, mimicry, lure, etc.). But this is true only on the level of the strata a parallelism between two strata such that a plant organization on one imitates an animal organization on the other. At the same time, something else entirely is going on: not imitation at all but a capture of code, surplus value of code, an increase in valence, a veritable becoming, a becoming-wasp of the orchid and a becoming-orchid of the wasp. (…) There is neither imitation nor resemblance, only an exploding of two heterogeneous series on the line of flight composed by a common rhizome that can no longer be attributed to or subjugated by anything signifying.”
– Deleuze and Guattari, A Thousand Plateaus
Following the theme “Face to Face” of the first edition, the second annual theme of the St. Moritz Art Film Festival is “Becoming Landscape”.
The notion of ‘landscape’ is pertinent with the natural context of the Engadin Valley, yet, “Becoming Landscape” highlights a crucial element: the landscape is always the result of a sight and it can not be seperated from the vision that generates it.
In a similar fashion, as in the photographic collages by John Stezaker, the landscape ceases to be a “given” element and it becomes an extension of the subject.
The classical opposition between “figure and ground” blurs into a new status: the subject becomes landscape and, symmetrically, the landscape is the unfolding of the subject, beyond any mimesis or representation.
Through specific collaborations with external curators, the patronage of foreign institutions and a bespoke educational programme developed in collaboration with the local schools, the theme is explored in a variety of aspects.
An important new feature in 2023 edition is the introduction of an open call for film makers and video artists to apply with their new art works.
The Jury
The jury for the 2023 edition is composed of:
Prizes
The jury is going to award two prizes:
– Prize for the best movie
– Special Prize of the jury for an emerging talent
Furthermore it is awarded the Kulm Prize:
– “Love at First Sight” prize