Wundersaar Retrospective at the Innuendo Film Fest + Virtual Reality Art installation
In addition to the competition program, this year’s edition of the Innuendo Film Festival offers a retrospective on the work of the performer Wundersaar, including the following lineup and a special contribution by Artoldo in the form of a virtual reality art installation.
Wundersaar Retrospective — Six Pack edition
“Hauntology of the Retrodromomania” is an avant-garde documentary exploring the phenomenon of nostalgia in a postmodern context. Directed by Sara Ferro and Chris Weil, the film takes viewers on a philosophical journey through late capitalist society, examining the nostalgic sentiment through the lens of critical theory and French post-structuralism. With a runtime of 2 hours and 44 minutes, the film delves into the complexities of social emotions and the pixelated neo-noir landscape of contemporary culture. It offers a unique perspective on the sociology of nostalgia, reimagined through experimental storytelling and sociological analysis. Completed on June 8, 2021, the film is a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between memory, society, and philosophy.
“H(o)me(o)pa®t(h)y” is an experimental project presenting a home entertainment healing system inspired by homeopathic medicine. Directed by Sara Ferro and Chris Weil, the project draws parallels to David Cronenberg’s “Videodrome” but focuses on joy and healing instead of violence and torture. Users can autonomously manage this system as a first aid tool, with a nod to the potential overdose of globules. With a runtime of 30 minutes, the project offers a quirky exploration of alternative healing methods in a glitch art style. Completed on November 12, 2020, it invites viewers to indulge in their own homeopathic healing experience.
“Mascara Cartridge Déjà War” is an experimental exploration of gender dynamics and societal warfare, directed by Sara Ferro and Chris Weil. The project delves into the notion of the world as an enduring war theater, questioning whether it is inherently biased towards men. It portrays women navigating this battlefield, oscillating between performing societal expectations and asserting their agency as fierce partisans or tactical guerrilla experts. The repetition of daily routines, likened to the application of makeup, symbolizes the persistence of certain norms. However, the project suggests that societal norms, like makeup, can only be more or less dramatic, rather than bulletproof. With a runtime of 13 minutes, the project combines elements of action, comedy, and war to create a thought-provoking commentary on gender roles and societal expectations. Completed on December 6, 2020, it offers viewers a unique and introspective viewing experience.
“Queen of the Luna Parking” is an experimental moving image artwork directed by Sara Ferro and Chris Weil. The project blends the imagery of the moon (“luna” in Italian) shining over a parking slot with a narrative of a girl awaiting an encounter, possibly with the king of the Luna Park. As she waits, the protagonist, Wundersaar (Luna Queen), embodies a lonely queen, symbolizing the uncertainty of her situation. The moon’s aura splits into red, blue, and yellow colors, interpreting interstellar communication signals from the Voyager 1 probe launched by NASA in 1977, coincidentally the year of Wundersaar’s birth. This juxtaposition suggests a metaphorical journey akin to the Voyager probe’s exploration of the unknown depths of space, reflecting on the human experience of discovering the mysteries of life. With a runtime of 1 minute and 33 seconds, the project combines elements of experimental and performance art to create a visually captivating exploration of existential themes. Completed on October 28, 2020, it offers viewers a brief yet evocative experience.
“Super Sauber” is a performance video art project directed by Sara Ferro and Chris Weil. The project explores the intersection of language learning, cultural perceptions, and personal dreams. It portrays a dream where the protagonist, Wundersaar, grapples with an obsession for learning German as a second language, intertwined with a fixation on the German cultural trait of neatness and cleanliness. The dream takes place against the backdrop of the mare nostrum, the Mediterranean Sea, where the protagonist feels perfectly at home. Despite this comfort, there is a longing for an even cleaner and tidier homeland, especially in the face of the natural beauty surrounding her. The project delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the subconscious desires of the dreaming subject. With a runtime of 1 minute, the project offers a brief yet introspective glimpse into the complexities of cultural assimilation and personal aspirations. Completed on August 27, 2018, it presents a visually striking exploration of the intersection between language, culture, and dreams.
“VE®NICE69” is a one-minute performance video art project directed by Sara Ferro and Chris Weil. The project explores the concept of a reversed gender surrender within a society influenced by acid culture and mainstream norms. It challenges societal expectations and restrictions on gender roles and identities, suggesting a subversion of traditional norms. The title suggests a play on words, combining “Venice” with “69,” possibly hinting at themes of sexuality, rebellion, and counterculture. With no dialogue, the project relies on visual imagery to convey its message. Completed on March 9, 2021, it offers a brief yet provocative exploration of gender dynamics and societal norms.
VIRTUAL REALITY — Media Art
“Kaltcaldo” is a virtual reality art installation originating from Italy. It explores the principles of thermodynamics through contrasting colors: red representing heat and blue representing cold. Developed by ARTOLDO in collaboration with RedMagicBlue, the project creates an immersive experience that engages with the concept of opposites. With a runtime of 3 minutes, the installation offers viewers a unique perspective on the physical laws governing temperature and energy. Completed on June 3, 2023, “Kaltcaldo” invites participants to explore and interact with the abstract representation of thermodynamic principles in a virtual environment.
Visit the official Innuendo Film Festival website for more information.
