Eye Filmmuseum in Amsterdam Showcases New Talent with July Film Programs
Eye Filmmuseum in Amsterdam is set to host a series of innovative film programs throughout July, presented by the latest cohort of its "Programmers of the Future" talent development initiative. Three emerging curators – Kato van der Speeten, Alicia Bergamelli, and Humie Pourseyf – will unveil their distinct selections, covering themes from intimate encounters and memory to folklore and mythology. This annual program, now in its third year, aims to foster a new generation of film programmers.
From July 2nd to 25th, visitors can explore a diverse array of short films, features, a VR experience, and even an installation within the museum's facilities. A selection of films will also be available on the Eye Film Player for those who wish to watch from home.
Exploring Memory and Identity with "Washing the Eyes"
Programmer Humie Pourseyf will present "Washing the Eyes" from July 8th to 11th. This program delves into themes of memory, identity, exile, and the profound meaning of home through a collection of personal narratives, political histories, and experimental works. The series will open with a conversation between artists Sam Samiee and Atousa Bandeh Ghiasabadi, discussing art, migration, and memory. Highlights include an audiovisual performance-lecture by Nazanin Noori and the European premiere of a work by influential Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Reza Aslani, who will also participate in a Q&A session.
Chance Encounters in "Architectures of Intimacy"
Kato Van der Speeten's program, "Architectures of Intimacy," running from July 16th to 18th, focuses on the magic of spontaneous human interactions in unexpected places. From conversations in a taxi to shared moments in a hair salon or nightclub toilet, the selection explores how brief connections can unfold in seemingly ordinary environments. The program includes short films and features like Smoke Sauna Sisterhood and The Iron Ministry, alongside a unique VR experience and a special art installation located in the Eye Filmmuseum toilets, created in collaboration with the Espacio Estamos Bien collective.
Folklore and Fantasy in "The Tower of Crossed Destinies"
Alicia Bergamelli takes audiences on a journey into the fantastical with "The Tower of Crossed Destinies" on July 23rd and 25th. This program investigates how cinema draws inspiration from global folklore, fairytales, and mythology, presenting imagination as a vital means of resistance in cynical times. Featuring films from diverse cultures including India, Trinidad and Tobago, Ghana, and Brazil, the selection mixes recent and classic works across various genres. A notable inclusion is the Czechoslovak New Wave fantasy-comedy-drama The Cassandra Cat by Vojtěch Jasný. Accompanying the screenings are a live storytelling performance by Gus Moystad, tarot reading sessions by Safa Mirror, and a culinary tribute to Duvidha by the Amsterdam collective Maison Dante on July 25th.
Extending the Experience with Eye Film Player
Beyond the museum screenings, a dedicated sidebar program featuring films from the Eye collection is available on the Eye Film Player streaming platform. Titles curated to complement "Washing the Eyes" include Guests of Hotel Astoria and The Day I Disappeared. For "Architectures of Intimacy," selections like Metal and Melancholy and 25 cent are featured. "The Tower of Crossed Destinies" is accompanied by films such as La reine de papillons and Roodkapje verteld door 160 Nederlanders. Many of these films can be viewed free of charge and will remain available for at least four weeks.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Curators
The Programmers of the Future initiative, launched by Eye Filmmuseum in 2022 and supported by Fonds 21 Extra, is an eleven-month traineeship designed to develop new talent in film programming and curation. Participants gain hands-on experience under the guidance of seasoned professionals, culminating in the presentation of their own curated programs each summer. A joint preview of the upcoming programs is scheduled for Wednesday, July 2nd, with free admission. More details about the opening can be found on the Eye Filmmuseum website.
This July, Musemap (musemap.art) invites you to discover these fresh perspectives in film curation at the Eye Filmmuseum, a must-visit cultural spot in Amsterdam. To explore more unique cultural venues in the city, consider browsing our museum list or checking the map view.
