Presenting past work from some of world cinema’s most celebrated practitioners
VIFF is honoured to welcome Ramon and Silvan Zürcher as our inaugural Reflections guests. Beyond simply presenting past work from some of world cinema’s most celebrated practitioners, this initiative also ensures that the artists are present to delve into their motivations and methodologies. Ramon and Silvan will introduce each instalment of their Animal Trilogy (all of which have screened at past editions of the festival), and cap off their first visit to Vancouver with a VIFF Talk that takes a deep dive into their distinctive dramas that embrace absurdity and play loose with reality.
Supported by
The Strange Little Cat
This droll, perfectly executed comedy chronicles a day in the life of a multigenerational family prepping a celebratory dinner in their cramped Berlin apartment. Putting daily life’s absurdities on display, it's an exciting choreography of the quotidian.
The Girl and the Spider
Ramon and Silvan Zürcher’s sly and daring film takes place in Mara and Lisa's spacious bohemian apartment as the latter moves out. Mise-en-scène, humour, and stylized character interactions take centre stage in this pure cinematic pleasure.
The Sparrow in the Chimney
Preparations are afoot for an extravagant celebration. But as the house fills up, tensions mount and it becomes a veritable pressure cooker of familial strife. Ramon Zürcher delivers precise formal play and acute psychological mystery.
Choreographed Chaos: Ramon and Silvan Zürcher on Domestic Surrealism and Cinematic Precision
Employing collaboration and a shared vision, Ramon and Silvan Zürcher create meticulously observed, drolly absurd dramas that transform domestic spaces into surreal landscapes.
Image: © Iris Janke