With two new films premiering at IFFR, Videoheaven (2025) chronicling the history of video stores in Hollywood cinema, and Pavements (2025) about the myriad legacies of the beloved indie band, Alex Ross Perry is one of the most uncompromising artists working in American independent cinema today. Perry’s award-winning work has focused on the existential complexities of his characters with a sharp yet tender honesty. Within his singular work as director, writer and producer, he continues to experiment with hybrid and non-fiction formats, and music.
In films such as Berberian Sound Studio (IFFR 2013), The Duke of Burgundy (IFFR 2015) and In Fabric (2018), British-born Peter Strickland has always tackled his stories with an acutely visionary filmmaking style, deeply rooted in film and aesthetic history. As well as being a screenwriter of note, Strickland also has a particular interest in music, whether as a member of The Sonic Catering Band, running his own record label, Peripheral Conserve or co-directing Björk´s Biophilia concert film.
This is a rare opportunity to hear Perry and Strickland discuss together with IFFR programmer Michelle Carey their creative processes and influences and the challenges of maintaining their artistic vision while facing the realities of contemporary independent filmmaking.
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