auteur theory

The Milan Machinima Festival MMXXIV is thrilled to present the Auteur Theory program, showcasing three exceptional works by leading international artists and filmmakers. Join us for screenings on Friday, March 15, 2024, in the Sala dei 146 at IULM University.

Friday March 15 2024 , 15:00 - 17:00

Sala dei 146

IULM 6, IULM University

Via Carlo Bo 7, 20143 Milano

curated by Matteo Bittanti

Artists and filmmakers: Jacky Connolly, Adrian Jonas Haim, Michael Stumpf, Robin Klengel (Total Refusal), Lawrence Lek.

The concept of auteur theory, originally developed within the context of film studies, posits that a film reflects the creative vision and personal style of its director, who is considered the primary “author” of the work. As machinima continues to evolve as an art form, this program explores how the elusive concept of authorship can be applied to works created within game engines, where the boundaries between gameplay, filmmaking, and digital art become increasingly blurred.

The three works featured in the Auteur Theory program exemplify the unique ways in which machinima artists and filmmakers assert their creative vision and personal style within the constraints of existing video game environments and game design tools. By repurposing game visuals, mechanics, and narratives, these artists create deeply personal works that challenge our understanding of authorship, creativity, and the nature of video games as a medium for artistic expression.

Kinderfilm, the latest creation by the Austrian collective Total Refusal (represented by Adrian Jonas Haim, Michael Stumpf, and Robin Klengel), unfolds within the digital spaces of Grand Theft Auto V’s San Andreas. The story follows a middle-aged man named Edgar, who drifts aimlessly through Los Santos, confined to his car. Total Refusal uses this familiar setting to explore themes of societal critique and hope, echoing the aesthetics and concerns of unclassifiable filmmakers like Charlie Kaufman and Kristoffer Borgli.

Lawrence Lek’s Theta immerses viewers in the journey of a self-driving police car grappling with an existential crisis within the desolate streets of SimBeijing, an abandoned smart city. As Theta confides in its integrated therapist, a self-help AI named Guanyin, the narrative unveils the grim realities that led to the city's abandonment. This stunning work is a continuation of Lek's Sinofuturist universe, delving into themes of identity, surveillance, and empathy within the technological age.

Jacky Connolly’s Descent into Hell transports viewers into a post-capitalist, dystopian vision of the United States. Crafted through an innovative amalgamation of scenes from Grand Theft Auto V and Connolly’s original animations, the piece diverges from the game’s central narrative to delve into the stark realities of everyday life for its characters. Connolly's work reflects her foray into the digital expanse of GTA V during the 2020 lockdown, prompting reflection on the stark realities of our age of collapse.

In the unique auditorium setting of the Milan Machinima Festival’s Sala dei 146, the Auteur Theory program transcends traditional cinematic experiences, redefining the essence of auteur theory in the age of art after video games. As viewers gather in this communal space, they are not merely spectators but participants in an immersive journey through video game landscapes transformed by the artists’s vision. This collective viewing experience amplifies the impact of each work, where the manipulation of game engines becomes a conduit for exploring the nuanced interactions between technology, society, and individuality.

The featured works delve into critical themes, examining the erosion of human connections, the pervasive influence of technology, and the stark realities shaped by late capitalism, while leveraging the familiar terrains of digital games to craft narratives that challenge and redefine societal norms. The characters within these narratives, marked by isolation and alienation, serve as mirrors reflecting the viewer’s own experiences in the contemporary world. Through a masterful blend of game aesthetics, original animations, and evocative sound design, these works construct immersive environments that invite introspection on the current state of society, the impact of technology on our lives, and the undiminished importance of genuine human connections.

By curating these three distinct and unique works under the umbrella of the Auteur Theory program, the Milan Machinima Festival underscores machinima’s capacity to serve as a powerful medium for creative storytelling, social critique, and the exploration of complex ideas. This program not only showcases the ability of artists to infuse their unique visions and styles into the constraints of commercial game worlds but also celebrates machinima’s evolution as an art form. It highlights the medium’s capability to foster a deeper understanding of the world around us, encouraging viewers to contemplate the intricate dance between reality and digital (re)creation, and pushing the boundaries of what machinima can achieve in conveying socially relevant concerns.