EXPRMNTL (2016)
A documentary journey into the mythical avant-garde film festival that transformed a Belgian coastal town into the radical heart of experimental cinema.
EXPRMNTL - Movie Information
- Original Title: EXPRMNTL
- Release Year: 2016
- Directed by: Brecht Debackere
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Runtime: 1h 5m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Dutch, English, French
EXPRMNTL - Plot
Knokke, Belgium. A small mundane coastal town, home to the beau-monde. To compete with Venice and Cannes, the posh casino hosts the second 'World Festival of Film and the Arts' in 1949, organised in part by the Royal Cinematheque of Belgium. To celebrate cinema's 50 year existence, they put together a side program showcasing the medium in all its shapes and forms: surrealist film, absolute film, dadaist films, abstract film,… The side program would soon become a festival in its own right: 'EXPRMNTL', dedicated to experimental cinema, and would become a mythical gathering of the avant-garde…
EXPRMNTL - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a sense of the avant-garde world EXPRMNTL brings to life.
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EXPRMNTL - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Brecht Debackere
Main Cast
- Jonas Mekas
- Agnès Varda
- Harun Farocki
- Birgit Hein
- Jean-Jacques Lebel
- Boris Lehman
- Eric de Kuyper
- Roland Lethem
- Werner Nekes
- Godfried-Willem Raes
Writers
- Brecht Debackere
Producers
- Steven Dhoedt
EXPRMNTL - FAQs
What is EXPRMNTL about?
EXPRMNTL chronicles the history of a mythical avant-garde film festival held in Knokke, Belgium. Beginning as a side program at a 1949 casino film event, it grew into a legendary gathering dedicated to experimental, surrealist, dadaist, and abstract cinema, drawing the global avant-garde community.
Who directed the documentary EXPRMNTL?
EXPRMNTL was directed by Belgian filmmaker Brecht Debackere, who also served as the film's writer. Debackere crafted the documentary as both a historical record and a tribute to the radical spirit of experimental cinema that defined the Knokke festival's legacy.
Who appears in the documentary EXPRMNTL?
The film features prominent figures from the avant-garde world, including Jonas Mekas, Agnès Varda, Harun Farocki, Birgit Hein, Jean-Jacques Lebel, Boris Lehman, Eric de Kuyper, Roland Lethem, Werner Nekes, and Godfried-Willem Raes, all appearing as themselves.
Where to watch EXPRMNTL online?
Streaming availability for EXPRMNTL is limited given its niche experimental documentary status. You can check current viewing options, including any rental or streaming platforms available in your region, via JustWatch for the most up-to-date information on where to watch this film.
Is EXPRMNTL based on a true story?
Yes, EXPRMNTL is a documentary grounded entirely in real history. It recounts the true story of the EXPRMNTL festival in Knokke, Belgium, which began in 1949 and became one of the world's most influential gatherings dedicated to experimental and avant-garde cinema over several decades.
How long is the documentary EXPRMNTL?
EXPRMNTL has a runtime of 65 minutes, making it a compact yet richly layered documentary. Its relatively brief running time is well-suited to its subject matter, delivering a focused and immersive portrait of the avant-garde film festival without overstaying its welcome.
What language is EXPRMNTL in?
EXPRMNTL is an English-language documentary, though it also features spoken Dutch and French, reflecting the multilingual character of the Belgian cultural milieu and the international community of avant-garde filmmakers and artists who participated in the historic Knokke festival.
What films are similar to EXPRMNTL?
If you enjoy EXPRMNTL, similar films worth exploring include The Five Obstructions (2003), Man Ray: Prophet of the Avant-Garde (1997), 60 Seconds of Solitude in Year Zero (2011), and A Messenger from the Shadows (2013), all of which engage with experimental or avant-garde film culture.
More About EXPRMNTL
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