FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Celia Hudson

520-326-4769

anashantia@aol.com

DOUGLAS TO DOCUMENTA: US-MEXICO BORDER EXHIBIT UNVEILED IN GERMANY

Douglas, AZ, June 3, 2002 - Mere yards from the Mexican border a 35-foot movie screen is being erected and an unprecedented combination of technology and film will bring to light the issues surrounding border crossing. Beginning June 6th, and for five consecutive days, a live broadcast will link the US-Mexico border near Douglas to the prestigious contemporary art exhibition, Documenta, in Kassel, Germany. For Documenta XI the award-winning French filmmaker Chantal Ackerman has been selected to present an installment based on her most recent documentary FROM THE OTHER SIDE. The film, produced on location in Douglas, and presented at the Cannes Film Festival in May, focuses on the struggle between ranchers and immigrants, why border crossings are occurring in more remote areas, and the increased deaths of immigrants as a result. As part of the installment, a continuous loop of the final scene of the film will be projected onto a screen in the desert near the border. The screen and the surrounding desert will then be filmed and broadcast live at the opening of Documenta XI in Germany. This event will cross many borders and will unite the worlds of social justice, technology, filmmaking and art.

Chantal Ackerman began making films in 1968 and has been a prolific director and producer ever since. Some of her films include HOTEL MONTERY (1972); TOUTE UNE NUIT (1982); D'EST (1993); A COUCH IN NEW YORK (1996); and SOUTH (1999). "Comparable in force and originality to Godard or Fassbinder, Chantal Ackerman is arguably the most important European director of her generation." - J. Hoberman, Village Voice.

For further information about this event including the location of the filming, a synopsis of the documentary, and interviews please contact Celia Hudson at 520-326-4769.

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