THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS

of COUTURIER Michel

BELGIUM, 2017, 00:12:10

Production : HEURE EXQUISE !, Avec le soutien de Pictanovo - Région Hauts de France, Avec le soutien de l'Atelier Vidéo Art Plastique, Avec le soutien de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, ARGOS
Genre : Filmed action, Video art
Keyword : Dance, Space, Allegory

Summary :
The shipping lane between Calais and the cliffs of Dover is the busiest in the world. This stretch of water is also the favoured route used by illegal immigrants in their attempt to reach the United Kingdom from Calais. The west-east axis of global trade is perpendicular to the south-north axis of migration triggered by war and poverty.

the port facilities, with their surveillance and security equipment, fencing, and barriers form a huge complex of utilitarian structures, custom-built areas, restrictive and sometimes brutal mechanisms.

The sea birds fly above and contemplate.

Two women suddenly appear on the cliffs, in the Kent countryside, as if they have landed or been teleported. Are they two angels who have come down from heaven to earth to check out this part of the planet, extraterrestrial visitors, or indeed a feminine duo from a slapstick film?

Then our two characters arrive in the port of Dover where they enter on foot, in among the lorries and cars. They explore this huge stretch of tar bristling with fencing and security barriers. Then, with the cars and articulated lorries, they descend into the dark bowels of a ferry.

to print