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“Jean Epstein disappeared over half a century ago… but the aura of Epstein, defender of great ecstasies, has only continued to grow.” - Cinema historian Nicole Brenez
Jean Epstein: Young Oceans of Cinema is a stunning portrait of French film theorist and avant-garde filmmaker Jean Epstein, known for the lyrical beauty of his films. This documentary returns to the shores of Brittany, the site for most of Epstein's later work and particularly La Tempestaire (also screening in this program), where he tested his profound, visionary aspirations for cinema. It is within this setting that he sought to grasp the unfathomable.
Weaving together rare archival footage, photos and articles as well as interviews with Epstein's contemporary Jean Rouch and sister, Marie, Young Oceans of Cinema offers an invaluable introduction to the theory and practise of this fiercely independent director, often referred to as the first philosopher of cinema.
“Just as beautiful as the extracts from Epstein's films [are] the extracts from his writings - nobody has written on the cinema with more emotive force.” - Cinema Scope
Screens with La Tempestaire (France, 22 mins), in which Epstein uses time-lapse photography and visual and aural slow motion to tell the tale of a fisherman stuck at sea during a storm, and his worried fiancé waiting for him back on shore.
D James June Schneider P Nicolas Anthomé L French, Breton w/English subtitles TD digibeta/2011