Arbeiter verlassen die Fabrik
Fri 05.07.
19:00
Cinema
Arsenal 1
Director
Louis Lumière
France / 1895
1 min.
/ 35 mm
/ Silent
Few film scenes today symbolize the beginning of cinema in such a way as the short shot of the opening of the gates at the Lumière factory, through which in 1895 workers rush out left and right of the picture. Almost like in an early corporate film, the place where the development of film cameras and projectors is gaining momentum is documented. The brief glimpse of the workforce delighted early cinema audiences. For directors, the iconic scenery is still a reference point that is quoted and re-enacted and whose significance for cinema, work/workers and questions of representation is reflected upon. (mg)
Director
Harun Farocki
Germany / 1995
36 min.
/ 35 mm
/ Original version
Despite its quality as a catalyzer of associations, Lumière's shots of the factory gate opening and the workers streaming out were unable to establish the factory as a leading cinematic topos. "The workers' film did not become a main genre, the square in front of the factory remained a side show." (H.F.) To mark the 100th anniversary of cinema, Farocki juxtaposed the original film with variations on the motif from feature films and documentaries. His visual reading and essayistic analysis postulate the factory gate as an interface between production, the public and the private sphere. (mg)
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