The VIFF Turns its Focus to… The New World

August 25th, 2005 – The Vancouver International Film Festival is highlighting a series of titles from Central and Eastern Europe, including the Czech Republic, the Balkans, and Hungary, which indicate that this is one of the most vital filmmaking regions in the world today. Combining serious documentaries with cutting-edge dramas and crowd-pleasing comedies, The New World shows the countries of the former Austro-Hungarian empire to be a hotbed of up-and-coming cinematic talent, with films that cross borders and represent the new Europe, with all of its troubles, anxieties and newfound pleasures.

Many selections tackle contemporary social issues. Providing the title to the series is Austrian director Paul Rosdy’s NEW WORLD, a film essay which travels throughout the former Austro-Hungarian Empire in the present day, shuffling time lines like a deck of cards. “Modern” history started in central Europe and the calamities of the past century have taken a tremendous toll on this area.

NEW WORLD

In 1900, Europe was a far different place. “Modern” history started in central Europe and the calamities of the past century have taken a tremendous toll on this area. Director Paul Rosdy spent years researching this film and deftly shuffles contemporary and archival footage like a deck of cards. The stories he has to tell make for a fascinating explication of modern Europe and its people.

North American Premiere