A place to get to know weird, wonderful and experimental films from around the world. Films include all genres including documentary and short films. Many of these films can be found online at www.1channel.ch/
NanoFilm
Encirclement- Neo Liberalism Ensnares Democracy
Canada 2008
Dir Richard Brouillette
160 Mins
An absolutely amazing documentary about economics, capitalism, socialism and the reduction of the state. This is a long and very hard going documentary but if you can stick with it, do- it is well worth while.
The documentary features philosophers and economists in straightforward interviews- no flashy imagery or editing. They talk about capitalism, the real meaning (not watered down) of what capitalism is and how free market policies are affecting society.
It is a blistering attack on capitalism using logic and facts, not conspiracy theories that many Internet films rely on. If you even have a slight interest in politics and the economy of the Western world I would highly recommend this film. both parts are available on YouTube and are posted here.
***** 5 Stars
Mechanical Love 2007
Denmark/Japan/ Germany/ Italy
Dir Phie Ambo
79 Mins
An amazing and insightful documentary on an acclaimed Japanese scientist’s ‘Germanoid’.
Hiroshi Ishiguro is a Scientist from Japan who has created a robot of himself, but his wife and daughter too. The documentary y of tackles questions of ethics, especially on the family dynamic and how such a life like robot affects the stability of a normal family set up.
It also deals with the increasing population of the elderly, and how robots can ‘help’ to ease social resources. In this film, elderly ladies are given a robotic seal as company or as an ‘aid’ to dementia patients.
But how does this help the infirm? Moral questions are raised by interviewees, such as whether robots should replace human contact and touch and if it is right that a dementia patient cannot tell a real pet from a robotic one. A very interesting and disturbing documentary on how robots could influence society.
***** 5 Stars
Putin’s Kiss 2012 Documentary Trailer
Russia
Dir Lise Birk Pedersen
A look at Nashi- a propaganda driven youth movement, often acting in thuggish and intimidating in support for Putin.
I have still not managed to see this film. I have looked literally everywhere on the Internet and the only way to see it is to buy online from the film’s website or to buy it as an import from the US on Ebay.
Pina 2011 Documentary
Germany
106 Minutes
Dir Wim Wenders
A really amazing documentary with unbelievable dance sequences- the ‘impossible embrace’ is a highlight.
**** 4 Stars
Holy Motors 2012 Trailer HD
Germany, France
115 Minutes
Dir Leos Carax
www.1channel.ch/watch-2736113-Holy-Motors
This film will take your breath away. The visuals are truly stunning, and the direction seamless. The main protagonist is a French man who takes on different characters in one day. He rides through Paris in a limosine (think Cosmopolis with an actual plot :) and uses prosthetics to change in his characters. Is he an actor? Is he fulfilling people’s fantasies?
Starring Eva Mendes and Kylie Minogue, this is a masterclass in how o shake up movie making to its core.
A definite ***** 5 stars
