The Austrian Cultural Forum London in cooperation with the Austrian Film Institute present the third edition of watchAUT Austrian Film Festival, championing the best new films to emerge from Austria. Running 13 – 16 March at Ciné Lumière and the ICA Cinemas. watchAUT is an opportunity to preview anticipated new films by Austrian directors, including opening gala PEACOCK starring BAFTA-nominated actor Albrecht Schuch, and acclaimed international film festival titles VENI VIDI VICI (pictured above) and MOON, both produced by Austrian filmmaker, writer, producer and provocateur Ulrich Seidl (Venice Grand Jury Prize winner for Dog Days). Satirical mocumentary PIGGY BANK and Bollywood critique MEHRUNISA complete the feature programme.
The festival provides a glimpse of the world as perceived by the current generation of Austrian filmmakers. With a focus on today’s hottest issues making waves in front of and behind the camera, watchAUT is both a timely snapshot and an intriguing reflection of the current status quo. It is also a celebration of Austria’s rich cinematic heritage. This year’s archive screening is a rare chance to see on a cinema screen the infamous 1980s psycho-thriller ANGST, which was banned in many European countries for its depiction of violence. Austrian experimental cinema has long been a hotbed of radical ideas and daring artistry,
Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum London, Waltraud Dennhardt-Herzog says: “watchAUT presents a new generation of Austrian filmmakers who come from a rich cinematic tradition. Austrian film history spans over a century and while often overlooked internationally it has transformed the development of the medium. Its radical and pioneering filmmakers are presented alongside a young generation who continue to develop this legacy. Join us to discover the wealth of Austrian cinema at our dedicated festival.”
Director of the Austrian Film Institute, Roland Teichmann adds: “Building on the incredible audience reactions to 2023’s watchAUT Festival, I’m thrilled to introduce our youngest yet already acclaimed directors, such as Bernhard Wenger and Kurdwin Ayub, to a UK audience. I love the concept behind this year’s festival, which showcases an unexpected variety of Austrian features. While Austrian independent films can be radical and unconventional, short films have a unique ability to push boundaries even further. These radical shorts are bold, innovative and offer a fascinating glimpse into our vibrant arts scene.”
FRAME REBELS: AUSTRIAN SHORTS THAT DEFY CONVENTION
Austrian experimental cinema has long been a hotbed of radical ideas and daring artistry. From the 1970s to the present day, this collection, courtesy of the Sixpack archive, charts a bold lineage of filmmakers who shattered conventions and reimagined cinematic possibilities. Frame Rebels showcases a kaleidoscope of creative rebellion, where form meets subversion, and the boundaries of film are constantly redrawn. (ICA, Saturday 15 March, 6:30pm).
For further information, please check out the Facebook & Instagram links or watch the trailer.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WatchAutLondon/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watchautlondon/
