Venus in Furs

Like the other Maartje Seyferth and Victor Nieuwenhuijs' feature films, Venus in Furs deals with sexual domination, desire and power. This results here in philosophical adaptation of the novel of the same title by 19th-century Austrian aristocrat Leopold von Sacher-Masoch in a magical-realist style.

Severin and Wanda are young lovers caught up in a passionate, sadomasochistic romantic relationship. Severin offers himself as servant, caretaker and lover, while Wanda learns to enjoy her role as female tormentor. By taking on another lover, she humilates Severin thoroughly, violating the unwritten rules. A layered exploration of love, power and the complexity of human desires.

Preceded by:

Der Feldzug (Armando, Victor Nieuwenhuijs, NL, 1993, 10')

"This nine-minute-long film-poem must be part of my body of works", Armando said. This was already an extensive oeuvre: Armando painted, wrote, sculptured, acted and made music. Above all, he lived in Berlin. This city, Germany in general and the prolonged effect of World War II play a central role in Armando's work.

Der Feldzug is based on authentic footage from wartime newscasts. However, the images have been distorted to such an extent that they can hardly be recognised. What is intended is an abstract rendition of war acts, dissociated from time and place. Shots from today complement the existing material.

Retrospective

The release of Laatste dagen (Last Days), the latest film by independent filmmaking duo Victor Nieuwenhuijs and Maartje Seyferth, prompted Eye to dedicate a retrospective to their 40-year collaboration within production house Moskito Film. Their artistic short films, artist documentaries and often surreal, sensual, dark feature films challenge social norms and cinematic conventions.

"At Moskito Film, we embrace the pure and dark facets of human existence, fearlessly exploring themes that challenge and provoke. Our films are not merely stories; they are immersive experiences that invite audiences to confront the complexities of the human condition."