Markers: Films that make their mark by pushing the boundaries of documentary
Fifteen young dancers are touring Crowd, a piece on the ’90s rave scene by French-Austrian choreographer Gisèle Vienne. Following them from theatre to theatre, Patric Chiha’s observation of their work turns into a trance-like reverie. With hypnotic sound and camera work, the director traces the flow of desire between bodies, the multitude of fictions written by beats and gestures. Capturing the transcendental dimension of the club, he seizes the moment when the dancers enter a mystical state outside of time. He then progressively departs from the group to focus on the performers’ individual stories, filming confidential conversations backstage where the line between real life and performance becomes blurry. Is the stage contaminating reality, or the other way around? Winner of a Teddy Award at this year’s Berlinale, If It Were Love is an ecstatic exploration of love and violence, party and pain, raw emotions and queer sensuality. Charlotte Selb
This film includes a pre-recorded Q&A.
With the support of the Cultural Services of the Embassy of France in Canada
MEDIA COVERAGE