Consolation Service
Lohdutusseremonia
A Finnish couple announce their decision to divorce. It is early spring in Helsinki. Narrated in a voice-over by a neighbour, the work presents three dramatic moments in this process: It begins with a session with their therapist, followed by the couple celebrating a birthday with their friends that ends with the whole group drowning in a frozen lake. The camera angle and perspective change to parallel the shift of the narrative. An underwater monologue contemplates the past and death. The film concludes in a final relinquishing of the relationship. The narrative combines documentary realism and cinematic invention and is fragmented, thus inviting us to see beyond the illusion of fiction.
Also in this combined programme
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[:nv:s:b/e peop/e]
Video film investigates the term ‘invisibility’ in human relationships, using cyber-identity and real interhuman communication.
Film details
- Country of production
- Finland
- Year
- 1999
- Festival edition
- IFFR 2001
- Length
- 25"
- Medium/Format
- 35mm
