Persistence of Vision Award: Lynn Hershman Leeson: Tania Libre
Description
The Golden Gate Persistence of Vision Award honors a filmmaker whose main body of work falls outside of the realm of narrative feature filmmaking.
Recognized internationally for her innovative work investigating issues key to the workings of society—the relationship between identity and technology and the use of media against censorship and repression—Lynn Hershman Leeson’s film, installation, and multimedia work continues to inspire audiences. Her films have screened at the San Francisco International Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, and Berlin International Film Festival, winning numerous prizes throughout her career. Join SFFILM Festival for this program and discussion, followed by a screening of Tania Libre.
Bay Area filmmaker Lynn Hershman Leeson’s new documentary continues her ongoing exploration of groundbreaking women artists; with this portrait of the radical Cuban artist Tania Bruguera, whose work blurs the lines between art and activism. After announcing her plans to stage a performance that would allow ordinary citizens to express their views for one minute with no censorship, Bruguera was arrested, her passport was revoked, and she was eventually placed under house arrest without charges for eight months. The international art world rallied both to support her and against this state-sponsored repression. Shortly after her release, Bruguera visits Dr. Frank Ochberg, a noted authority in post-traumatic stress disorder, and the film captures these therapy sessions. The result is not only an intimate analysis of Cuba, but a deep exploration of how Bruguera’s fraught relationship with her family mirrors the politics of state repression. Tania Libre is a compelling example of how documentary film can become an instrument of empathy. Perhaps as a result of her therapy, Bruguera has declared her candidacy for President of Cuba in 2018, when Raúl Castro is scheduled to step down.
Over the last five decades, Lynn Hershman Leeson has received international acclaim for her art and films. She is recognized for her innovative work investigating issues that are key to the workings of society: the relationship between humans and technology, identity, surveillance, and the use of media as a tool of empowerment against censorship and political repression. She is considered one of the most influential media artists, pioneering contributions in photography, video, film, performance, installation, and interactive as well as net-based media art.
Film Details
Language English, Spanish
Year 2017
Runtime 73
Country USA
Director Lynn Hershman Leeson
Producer Lynn Hershman Leeson
Editor Lynn Hershman Leeson, Shane King
Cinematographer Hiro Narita, Shane King
Music Ibeyi