Blue Orchids

Blue Orchids

2017 · 48 min · Documentary

In Blue Orchids, Johan Grimonprez creates a double portrait of two experts situated on opposite ends of the same issue—the global arms trade. The stories of Chris Hedges, a former New York Times war correspondent, and Riccardo Privitera, arms and equipment dealer for the now-defunct Talisman Europe Ltd, provide an unusual and disturbing context for shocking revelations about the industry of war. While interviewing Privitera and Hedges for Grimonprez’s recently released feature Shadow World (2016), it became clear that the two men were describing the same anguish and trauma, but from paradoxical perspectives. One has dedicated his life to unmasking lies, while the other has built his life on them. Both their personal and political histories gradually reveal the depths of suffering and duplicity, showing that the arms trade is a symptom of a profound illness: greed.

Directed by Johan Grimonprez

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Jazz and decolonization are intertwined in a powerful narrative that recounts one of the tensest episodes of the Cold War.

Shadow World

Shadow World · 2016

MovieDocumentaryHistory

A detailed investigation into the political and economic interests that, since the beginning of the 20th century, have pulled the strings of the arms trade, hidden in the shadows, feeding the shameful corruption of politicians and government officials and promoting a state of permanent war throughout the world, while they cynically asked for a lasting and universal peace.

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MovieDocumentaryHistory

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Double Take · 2009

MovieDocumentary

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MovieDocumentary

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MovieDocumentary

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MovieDocumentary

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Ghent, 10 June 1989, for Geraldine Nerea

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In this video Vromman shows us virtuoso how a “plan séquence” is capable of exploring a given spatial arrangement notably an abandoned church in Ghent. It is as though the camera possesses a will of its own, or, more appropriately, as it became itself a dancer within the given space. The columns become veritable side wings behind which the dancers are playing hide and seek and where perpetually new movements and new images are discovered. Summary by argosarts.org

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Smell the flowers while you can · 1994

Smell the flowers while you can

MovieDocumentary

Johan Grimonprez transposes an extract from Meg Stuart’s compelling choreography ‘No Longer Ready-Made’ to the anonymous waiting room of a railway station. This colourless space along with nameless travellers provides the excellent setting for Stuart’s hectic and intense convulsions. A train ride along the nightly Brussels northern area supports the vitriolic New York City prose of David Wojnarowicz on the soundtrack.

Hitchcock Didn’t Have a Belly Button: Karen Black Interview by Johan Grimonprez

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MovieDocumentary

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LOST NATION, January 1999

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LOST NATION, January 1999

MovieDocumentary

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