Focus: Matthew Lax
Programme IFFR 2025
Matthew Lax’s distinct dialectical approach queers interpretations of varied subjects, including archival texts, animal behaviour and power dynamics through performance and documentary. Working with actors and non-actors, Lax’s films prioritise critical discourse and community building which further question meaning and interpretation. Under the Focus programme, two of Lax’s works will have their world premieres: A TIRED DOG IS A GOOD DOG, PART TWO and Gay Men’s Book Club.
Overview of films
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AN ANIMATED DOG READS JOHN BERGER, HARAWAY, AND KAFKA
An animated dog, a motion capture of the filmmaker, opines on the limitations of being an animal.
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Gay Men’s Book Club
Seven gay men bring their backgrounds and insights into the reading of a book about identity politics.
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Fabricated in the Actual Arctic (After Nanook)
Robert Flaherty’s seminal early documentary Nanook of the North is restaged in a new context.
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AMERICAN FOLK
Casting tapes, old paintings and denim all prod at the idea of provenance and meaning creation.
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A TIRED DOG IS A GOOD DOG, PART TWO
Part two dives into pack dynamics to expand upon notions of dominance, submission, trust and consent.
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A TIRED DOG IS A GOOD DOG, PART ONE
Dog breeding and pup kink explored by a filmmaker who happens to be a quadruplet.
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Lil’ Tokyo Story
Shot-for-shot remake of the opening credits and climax of Ozu’s Tokyo Story, with noticeable differences.
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Matthew Lax: Reference material
Four films excavating, analysing and reimagining diverse materials from our cultural milieu.
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Tiger Talk: Matthew Lax & Timoteus Anggawan Kusno
IFFR 2025 Artists in Focus Timoteus Anggawan Kusno and Matthew Lax discuss their respective artistic practices.
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Matthew Lax: Man’s best friend
Part one and two of an ongoing series about human and canine behaviour.