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29 Jan – 8 Feb 2026

Ellis island

Meredith Monk | Bob Rosen | USA | 1982 | 28' | | IFFR 1994

Theatrically-stylised evocation shot on location of what went on in the complex of buildings on Ellis Island off New York City before it was abandoned in 1954. A huge number of immigrants found themselves in the last maelstrom of bureaucracy and often did not manage to break down that barrier.Performances in the desolate buildings depicted the desperation of individual immigrants who saw their dreams shattered so close to their goal. Meredith Monk is best known as a choreographer and that background is certainly not disavowed in this film: the short meditative black & white images are reminiscent of the photos that the customs authorities had made of the immigrants at the time. These shots are juxtaposed with colour pictures of a group of tourists visiting the island.

Film details

Country of production
USA
Year
1982
Festival edition
IFFR 1994
Length
28"
Medium/Format
35mm

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