To complement the scientific content of the conference and to raise awareness among a wider public, a Parallel Programme has been designed that includes a special SB film stream organized in collaboration with KAVA, the National Audiovisual Archive, and a seminar at Haaga-Helia University, very close to the conference's venue at Messukeskus.
AFRIKAN TÄHTI - AFRICAN STAR
Seminar at Haaga-Helia University on Wednesday at 18.00-20.00
Free of charge to all registered SB11 participants.
Click here to download the programme in PDF.
KAVA SB STREAM
For more information, please go to http://www.kava.fi/esitykset/syksy-2011/afrikkalaisia-sydamenlyonteja
Please, read here the interview with Satu Laaksonen from KAVA (National Audiovisual Archive), where she talks about KAVA's collaboration with SB11 Helsinki and how films can contribute to a more human and sustainable society. For more information, click on the picture to download her bio in PDF.
SB11 Helsinki: How do you see the collaboration between KAVA (National Audiovisual Archive) and SB11 Helsinki World Sustainable Building Conference?
Satu Laaksonen: In general, I would say that we are incessantly working with various festivals, museums, schools, institutions and associations, and we are open to all kinds of initiatives with a wide range of stakeholders. We also organized seminars in our cinema Orion when the city of Helsinki acted as the cultural Capital of Europe in 2000. "African heartbeats" consists of 13 movies picked with love that show the history and present day in Africa.
SB11 Helsinki: Can films change the world? What's the role of cinema in today's society?
Satu Laaksonen: I’m somehow a bit pessimistic on what’s happening now in the world. It’s however encouraging that the young generations seem to keep up their faith and show it in their films. Even Aki Kaurismäki’s latest film "Le Havre" left a very optimistic feeling.
SB11 Helsinki: Can you give any examples of movies leading into positive action? How can we raise the awareness of the coming generations towards crucial global issues through films?
Satu Laaksonen: There are a number of examples of movies displaying topics that raise awareness amongst the public. Like, in Cannes, the recently showed documentary on the American oil catastrophe certainly made the audience to think about environmental issues. It remains to be seen what recent events in the Arab world, for example, will result in their film making and in their films. They have actively participated in film festivals and shared their feelings about global issues.
SB11 Helsinki: What can you tell about film production in developing countries - pros and cons? How does it affect the developing countries being chosen as exotic locations by international movie producers?
Which are the main topics covered and the most dominant values portrayed?
Satu Laaksonen: Making and seeing films in the developing countries may be quite challenging. As an example, lack of movie theatres may mean that African films are mainly showed in international film festivals or abroad, instead of in the countries where they have been shot. Some film directors, like Sembène Ousmane, have toured showing their films as videos in local villages. Funding for film making is of course often a barrier, but in the films that are finally produced the topics range and their themes may cover almost everything imaginable. Even though the producers have an impact in film making, I think the influence of their commercial interests in films has decreased.
SB11 Helsinki: Which are the aspects of sustainability (social, environmental, economic) you find visible in today's movies and movie business?
Satu Laaksonen: I see humanity and defending life in the core of sustainability. Good films portray the richness of life and richness of culture.
SB11 Helsinki: Can you recommend some films related with Sustainable Building or Sustainable Development (from KAVA’s autumn stream or beyond)?
Satu Laaksonen: Chadian Mahamat-Saleh Haroun is certainly a film maker that one should follow with great interest. His film "Daratt", which was awarded in Venice, tells about post civil war life, about amnesty and atonement at an individual level. Fanta Regina Nacro, a female film director from Burkina Faso, deliberates in her war film "La nuit de la vérité" the necessity of expiation and fragility of peace. "Tribute to Sembène Ousmane" portrays again woman’s role in developing Africa in "Moolaadé" that remained the last film of the late Senegalese master. These are just some examples of the films we are happy to show this time in the 9th edition of SEA/KAVA’s African film series.