Hannes Schüpbach (*1965) is a Swiss artist whose cinematic oeuvre is deeply rooted in the essence of the medium of film. His soundless works on analogue 16 mm film inspire reflection on time and movement, duration and memory. The screening features «Instants» (2012) and «Essais» (2020) in a performative presentation that involves language, music, and a conversation. Hannes Schüpbach is joined by cellist Flurin Cuonz and Werner von Mutzenbecher, a pioneer of artist film.
The presentation is followed by a conversation between Hannes Schüpbach and Werner von Mutzenberger.
Hannes Schüpbach *1965, lives in Winterthur. His work encompasses installation-paintings, performance, photography, and 16 mm films without sound. In 2009, Adam Szymczyk presented the solo show «Hannes Schüpbach – Stills and Movies» at Kunsthalle Basel. The exhibition «Explosion der Wörter / Explosion of Words», with poet Stephen Watts, was shown at Strauhof, Zurich, and at Nunnery Gallery, Bow Arts, London in 2021/22. Schüpbach’s films have been screened at many major institutions and festivals.
Violoncellist Flurin Cuonz, *1986, lives in Zurich. He views music as a constantly updated dialogue and works as a solo performer, a voice leader in orchestras, and a teacher of masterclasses. He is also a founding member of the piano ensemble Trio Rafale.
Werner von Mutzenbecher, *1937, lives in Basel. His transdisciplinary work includes painting, filmmaking, and poetry. An exhibition of his oeuvre is currently on view at Kunsthaus Baselland through 13 November 2022. For the accompanying publication, Hannes Schüpbach wrote a contribution on «Film and Poetry, Poetry and Film».
Instants Hannes Schüpbach / France 2012 / 16' / 16mm / colour / no sound / Exp
Instants arrive and take place for us and in us. Like the girl appearing in a gust, as a goddess of winds, whose movements settle into a gesture, a suite of still images. Between the instants relations unfold, the evident as well as the invented. The hand that halts in writing sentence after sentence implies a loop, a stepping back. There, what has been felt takes form. The jolts, abrasions, and stops in the arrival of images make up this body of instants from which language flows.
Essais Hannes Schüpbach / United Kingdom/Belgium/USA/Switzerland 2020 / 43' / 16mm / colour / no sound / Exp
The dancer Kira Blazek explores new movements, her dance passionately broadening into a bodily reflection about the possible. Her shifting ventures in dance dialogue with the six further personalities the film introduces, all of them engaged in some form of self-experiment. Stephen Watts, Éléonore Bernard, Heba-Raphaëlle Meffre, Flurin Cuonz, Marco Baschera and Jiajia Zhang are artists and researchers, filmed in London, Bern, Antwerp, Zurich and St. Gallen. It is gestures and postures that define them. They exist alongside one another in a fictional exchange where the other extends their own form. In Schüpbach’s film, the images are unlocked from linear time via black transitions, resulting in a hypnotic flow. Its temporality marks a recollection: the repetition of what has once been seen, in a rhythm linked to recapitulation and speech.
Internationale Kurzfilmtage Winterthur is Switzerland’s major short film festival. For six days every November, we transform the city into a dynamic short film hub.
Kurzfilmtage offers discoveries for everyone: our thoughtfully compiled thematic programmes address current events or topics that our curators are passionate about. The competition programmes showcase the latest filmmaking from around the globe, while installations, performances, and other specials highlight the diversity of audiovisual forms. And a programme of special events including concerts, readings, and more enhance the festival experience.
A short film is not just a shorter film. Shorts are a distinct art form, which we showcase at our annual festival.
Short films come in all shapes and genres, and how long – or short – they are, varies quite a bit. Simpler production processes allow filmmakers to capture the zeitgeist and quickly respond to trends. Shorts can be entertaining or surprising, they can analyse society, take a political stance, or offer glimpses of worlds unknown to us.
We compile our short films into thematic programmes or specific sections, such as our competitions, paying close attention to the selection and sequence of films in each programme. All you need to enjoy short films is an open mind for new discoveries and surprises.
Competitions
Recent short films from around the world. The best shorts will be presented with awards on Sunday evening.
Hors Concours
Recent short films from Zurich, Switzerland, and around the world screened out of competition.
Main Focus
Films that explore a region, a social phenomenon, or an artistic trend.
Country in Focus
The cinema of a country from contemporary and historical perspectives.
Person in Focus
A spotlight on the work of a filmmaker.
Special Programmes
Short film programmes dedicated to topics that our curators are passionate about – or that are simply fun.
Family Programmes
Short film fun for young viewers aged 6+ and for the whole family.
Expanded Cinema
Installations, performances, and exhibitions present the medium of film in unfamiliar forms.
Special Events
Concerts, parties, readings, and many other events enhance the festival experience.
Talks & Panels
Moderated talks and panels after the screenings offer additional context and insight into films and themes.
Industry Events
A wide range of educational events and networking opportunities.
