“Archive: A Living Memory… Cinema Pulsing with Life”

In this segment, and in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Jesuit Cultural Center in Alexandria this month, we honor the “archive” and the living memory that pulses within its details. When used creatively, the archive becomes an active element in the creative process, shaping new horizons for the future.

Join us on a journey through memory, exploring how documented memory (the archive), whether in written text, sound, or recorded images, has inspired filmmakers since the early days of cinema in the early 20th century. Initially, the archive was used mostly in scattered shots to suggest the realism of an event. However, the 1920s and 1930s saw a more systematic use of the archive, especially in early documentaries. In the 1960s, the archive underwent an experimental phase, particularly with the French New Wave. In the 1990s, filmmakers began reconstructing stories using archives, which contributed to the development of cinematic storytelling.

In the 21st century, thanks to the internet and the rise of social media, we now have a wealth of archival content available to the public—not just for use, but for sharing and contributing. This opens new opportunities for more interaction and creativity in the preservation, retrieval, and formation of collective memory.

Saturday, November 16, 2024

Film Screening: Finding Vivian Maier

This documentary explores the life of Vivian Maier, a photographer who lived in the shadows throughout her life. Although she was not known during her lifetime, her photographic works were discovered after her death, making her one of the most significant photographers of the 20th century.

The film follows how director John Maloof discovered a large collection of photographs taken by Maier during her work as a nanny. The documentary includes interviews with those who knew her, as well as an analysis of her artistic works. It shows how the archive Maier left behind reflects her unique view of the world and also reveals her personal struggles.

The film has garnered numerous award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature. It won several awards, including Best Documentary at the Chicago International Film Festival, the San Francisco International Film Festival, and the Sarasota Film Festival, as well as Best Film at the Newport Beach Film Festival.

Genre: Documentary, Biography
Country of Production: United States
Language: English (with Arabic subtitles)
Year of Production: 2013
Duration: 83 minutes

The screening will be followed by an open discussion with the audience, moderated by Islam Kamal.

About Islam Kamal
Islam Kamal is a filmmaker who graduated from the Jesuit Cinema School and the Faculty of Fine Arts. He worked as an assistant lecturer at the faculty and was involved in the founding of the Figleaf Studio and the Cinidelta Documentary Filmmaking Program. He has directed several films that have participated in prominent international film festivals such as Rotterdam, Berlin, and Carthage.

Free admission, no prior registration or reservation required.