Jóhann Jóhannsson’s experimental audiovisual sci-fi poem is set in the distant future, when humanity finds itself on the edge of extinction. The film offers a unique experience that defies the familiar concepts of time and space. The majestic black-and-white visuals echo with the Icelander’s characteristic resonant sound design and, together with a recitative from Tilda Swinton, make for a compelling creation.
Synopsis
Somewhere in the distant future the human race is heading for extinction. Surreal, solitary monuments are all that remain as beacons of its former glory, sending their urgent message out into the cosmic wilderness. Completed after his death, this hypnotic piece is the only feature-length film by Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson – an original audiovisual sci-fi poem, in which real brutalist concrete ornaments are transformed into unsettling objects from the distant future. The contrastive, black-and-white 16mm shots, in combination with the majestic minimalism of Jóhannsson’s music, make for a unique experience that defies the familiar concepts of time and space. The singularity of the work is enhanced by a dreamlike recitative delivered by Tilda Swinton, who accompanies the film with a sci-fi tale from Olaf Stapledon.
Aleš Stuchlý
About the film
70 min / Black & white, DCP
Director Jóhann Jóhannsson
/ Screenplay Jóhann Jóhannsson, José Enrique Macián podle knihy / based on the book by Olaf Stapledon
/ Dir. of Photography Sturla Brandth Grøvlen
/ Music Yair Elazar Glotman, Jóhann Jóhannsson
/ Editor Mark Bukdahl
/ Producer Thor Sigurjonsson
/ Production Zik Zak Filmworks
/ Cast Tilda Swinton
/ Sales Films Boutique
/ Distributor Artcam Films
About the director
Jóhann Jóhannsson (1969 - 2018). Filmography (documentaries): End of Summer (2014, short), Last and First Men (2020).
Contacts
Films Boutique
Köpenicker Str. 184, 10997, Berlin
Germany
Phone: +49 306 953 7850
E-mail: contact@filmsboutique.com
Artcam Films
Rašínovo nábřeží 6, 128 00, Praha 2
Czech Republic
Phone: +420 221 411 619
Fax: +420 221 411 699
E-mail: vit.schmarc@artcam.cz
Guests
Louise Højgaard Johansen
Associate Producer
