Amazing Shorts from Absurdistan
Hungarian, 97minmins, DCP
Clever albeit short films dissecting the surrealism of Eastern European totalitarianism with sure scalpels. Roman Polanski mingles Tati and Breughel in Two Men and a Wardrobe (1958) as his hapless protagonists go through scenes of disquieting violence. Although Jan Svankmajer would become known for animations, his breakthrough The Garden (1968) captures the potential surrealism surrounding everyday life. Sometimes the scalpel cuts too deep – as unwelcome as The Uninvited Guest (1969), Venclik’s film was banned for 20 years – but Gazdag challenged the Hungarian bureaucracy more subtly with bands, not guns, in The Selection (1970).
13.4 (SAT): Introduction by Gabriel M. Paletz (in English)
Hong Kong Arts Centre Louis Koo Cinema (Venue)
Introduction
Remarks
1. Unless otherwise stated, all films (except English-speaking films) are subtitled in English.
2. For screenings at ALL commercial cinemas, tickets are available at URBTIX till 5:00pm one day before respective screenings. After that, tickets will be available only at the box office of the screening venue on the day of screening, subject to availability.
3. Screenings at HK Arts Centre, HK Film Archive and Tai Kwun: For screenings that are about to start in 1 hour, all remaining tickets can only be bought at the box offices of the respective screening venues.
4. Screenings at HK Science Museum: There is no URBTIX Outlet at the venue. Tickets are available at URBTIX till 1 hour prior to the respective screenings. Door ticket counter opens 30 minutes before the screening. Limited tickets to non-sold out screenings will be available at the door, subject to availability (Cash Only).
5. Screenings at M+ Cinema: Tickets are available at URBTIX only. No tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets are available at URBTIX website, mobile app and outlets only. Ticketing services for respective screening will not be available from 30 minutes after the screening begins.
6. While it is the HKIFFS’s policy to secure the best possible print of the original version for all its screenings, the HKIFFS appreciates its patrons’ understanding on occasions when less than perfect screening copies are screened.
