With 30 films from across the world, the film festival Experimenta 2011 brings in a set of path breaking films that redefine the meaning of modern cinema

The city is choking with multiplexes screening mainstream cinema. But a certain section ofu00a0 viewers have had enough of it. The biennial film festivalu00a0Experimenta 2011 is in town to treat them.u00a0


Hallelujah the Hills

Featuring 30 odd films from USA, Europe, UK and India, the five-day festival will not only showcase experimental movies but will conduct music workshops and present gigs.

"The aim is to show films that blur the boundaries of documentaries, short and feature films. Experimenta is the merging of different disciplines," says Shai Heredia, the festival director. She adds that each film is like a painting and reflects the journey of making films.

In that regard, she cites the example Hallelujah the Hills, the film that will inaugurate the festival. Directed by late American avant garde filmmaker Adolfas Mekas, this film according to Heredia, defines the idea of Experimenta 2011.

"This film looks at the text of filmmaking through raw and slapstick comedy," says Heredia. The festival will also feature works of Joyce Wieland from Canada and Toronto-based German-Indian artist Oliver Husain among others.

Along with films, Experimenta 2011 will also have Marc Duseilleru00a0 from Switzerland in an open workshop teaching participants how to make new media audio and video devices using old video camera and DIY methods.
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Also, artists from ANYMA (Switzerland) and city-based India Sonic Research Organisation will share the stage to play the best of technology aided experimental music.

Explaining why Experimenta 2011 works for Bangalore, Heredia says, "It is all about artistes who create new moving challenges. In Bangalore film is art unlike Mumbai where it is entertainment.
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The city is open to all kinds of experiments." Hallelujah the Hills by Adolfas Mekas, A&B in Ontario by Joyce Wieland and Natasha Mendonca's Jan Villa are three must watch films at Experimenta 2011, according to Heredia.

Film Festival Schedule

November 30, NGMA, 6 pm onwards
ADOLFAS MEKAS RETROSPECTIVE 1
Hallelujah The Hills
Sean Mekas Adolfas Mekas Accepts The Bard Award
David Avallone 'Hallelujah The Villa'