Part of an ongoing series of mini profiles on the blog German Film @ Canada on the movers and shakers that make the Berlinale one of the most important events in the international film calendar: the filmmakers, programmers, curators, industry promoters and fans, from rookies to veterans.
Name & role: Mario Pfeifer, producer/director/artist;
Berlin Biennale 2018; in preparation for a survey exhibition at The Power Plant in Toronto for summer 2019.
This is my 15th Berlinale.
You were a “Berlinale Talent“ in 2009. What did you take away from that program?
The idea to one day make films for cinema rather than within the framework of art institutions.
Berlinale section you’d want your work in:
This category would need to be invented: the art of the real or between fiction and documentary!
Most mind-blowing film you’ve ever seen at Berlinale:
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE by Errol Morris -- an outstanding documentary that presents the abuse of power, the evil face of humanity during war times ... it’s still a film carrying momentum into the Trump era. An unforgettable film by one of my favorite directors working today.
Event you won’t miss at Berlinale 2019:
Forum Expanded. Because it offers uncommon viewing experiences of films that often take more risks in their subject matter and visual vocabulary.
Themes that move you in your work right now:
The growing disunion of our western societies; empathy (in VR); and the decolonization processes in Europe and Africa.
interview by
Jutta Brendemühl
photo: courtesy Mario Pfeifer & Arte Brasileiros
