Square There, Hold it

PLATZ DA, HALT – difficult to translate due to multiplicity of meaning. As an imperative it addresses itself to the people (in the film), the passers-by in an ambivalent fashion: "Go away (,make room’), stop (stay)!". As a declamation about the space which the film explores, the title asks: "Square (as a public gathering space etc.) here?, (or just a tram-) stop?". Then the title's meaning becomes a general question about space (in a city, in a country), whom it belongs to, who it is open and available to, and if and how it is possible to get some "hold", some grip in (and of) a place.

The film itself is an orchestration of a space, made with the strong believe, that in art politics has to start with a politics of the eyes (senses), by offering an experience which allows to freely use and explore them. (T.K. 1993)

A perceptual exploration of "open", urban space and its boundaries and limitations, exemplified by a functional piece of Vienna trying but not quite succeeding to be a square – a public gathering space for an exchange of goods and feelings. A quest for balance between openness and enclosedness (– the pleasures of being lost in a city), distance and contact, movement and stillness, observation and participation. To make visible the sometimes hidden energies that move us, through (counter)movements – of the camera/eye and consequently of the mind. Always with a consciousness of the boundaries of film, the limitations of the frame etc. (T.K. 1994)

Orig. Title
Platz da, Halt
Year
1993
Country
Austria
Duration
17 min
Director
Thomas Korschil
Category
Avantgarde/Arts
Orig. Language
No Dialogue
Downloads
Credits
Director
Thomas Korschil
Concept
Thomas Korschil
Cinematography
Thomas Korschil
Production
Thomas Korschil
Available Formats
16 mm (Distribution Copy)
Aspect Ratio
1:1,37
Sound Format
mono
Frame Rate
24 fps
Festivals (Selection)
1995
Arnheim - AVE - International Audio Visual Experimental Festival
Istanbul - Int. Short Film Festival
1997
Graz - film+arc.