Projects

EYZ was asked to curate a fim series on bioethics as part of 1000 Questions, an Aktion Mensch project on bioethics. The series took place in September 2003.

Original catalogue text:

"What do we want when everything is possible?
1000 questions on bioethics.

Bioethics - a matter of perspective?
Eden Koetting - her senses defined by Joubert syndrome;
Chris Langan - bouncer and person with one of the highest I.Q. worldwide:
Sarah Neef - dancer without hearing;
Fanny Ballantine-Himberg, whose gay parents divorced;
Temple Grandin, university professor living with autism;

Individual lifes, individual perspectives withstanding normative generalisation in the current debate on bioethics.
The art of asking questions: A patented questioning machine named 'Interrotron' circles around its subject with 20 recording lenses. The linear 'weapons' of journalism work with research and persistence. A filmmaker overcoming his spechlessness in the eye of unrestraint science.
Different methods united by the simple technique of questioning.

Questions are often based on 'common sense', and there is a reason why A.I. programmers view it as the key of being human - one they can't put into code.

Individual perspective, the liberating act of questioning and common sense are the main denominators of the film series.

Showcases of the film series are the cinemas Arsenal and Cinemaxx Potsdamer Platz with special screenings taking places at St.-Thomas church, Zollernhof and Berlin's main crematorium.

20 productions of German and international origin ranging from documentary to narrative to experimental form present different aspects of bioethics. Prominent directors like Errol Morris (whose First Person series premieres at the series), Peter Greenaway (Darwin) and Robert Wiseman (Near Death) are featured. TV icons Hannelore Hoger (as inspector Bella Block) and Desiree Nosbusch (in SAT1 preview Secret of Life) allow a glimpse at TV's take on the topic.

The economics of bioethics become clear in Clone Inc., the relentless reporter Silvia Matthies uncovers the world of Organ Donation, Nakamura Takashi blurs the boundaries between organic and inorganic matter in his brilliant anime Palumu no ki and the Korean shamans of Mudang transcend life's final frontier.

Children and parenthood are often in the center of bioethics' most debated controversies. Daddy & Papa portrays gay parents, Sundance winner My Flesh and Blood focues on adopting children with disabilities. Contergan The Parents, Refrigerator Mothers and Offspring all take a look at the indivual fates behind the headlines.

'Different and Proud' could be the headline for two new productions from arte-TV. And to embrace a different view is the aim of Andrew Koetting's Mapping Perception, an unique collaboration of film, science and art."