Events

The singularity of cinema lies in its unprecedented capacity to transform the energies of the other arts into an integrated audiovisual experience. This synthesis makes cinema particularly engaging, immersive, and resonant, although, precisely because the constituent elements are organically fused together, it can easily be taken for granted.

Film Secession creates new ways of exploring the ideas and artistic currents that have shaped different filmmakers, periods, and art forms. Subscribers will discover nonlinear pathways through the histories of the arts, be able to watch rare films provided by the world’s preeminent studios, production companies, and archives, and have special access to events held worldwide. The Vienna Secession is a key inspiration. Created at the very moment of cinema’s emergence (1897-1905), its motto was, “To every age its art, to every art its freedom.” By fostering deeper understanding of our cinematic heritage and revitalizing our shared creative legacies, Film Secession will similarly provide opportunities to reimagine the future.

Film Secession is an immersive 3D museum without walls that continually opens up new connections between different filmmakers, periods, & art forms. In mid-February, it won its first major awards from the prestigious FWA judging panel for cutting-edge creativity and innovation in digital design and development. The site is truly global and all Exhibitions and Films are available to subscribers anywhere in the world.

Ryūsuke Hamaguchi Virtual Exhibit:
Boldly experimental in method and rigorously precise in execution, Ryūsuke Hamaguchi’s growing body of work demonstrates the continuing vitality of classical Japanese and international auteur cinema.

Our new Exhibition focuses on the eminent contemporary Japanese filmmaker Ryūsuke Hamaguchi. Discover his work, his influences, the relationship between classic and contemporary cinema, and new connections with exhibitions on John Boorman, Film Music, and Darius Khondji.

In conjunction with the Exhibition, newly restored Japanese films that have never before been distributed from the Kobe Planet Film Archive will premiere in the Film Secession Cinema. These include the recently rediscovered first film by Japan’s great animation pioneer Noburō Ōfuji, The Slow Old Man (1924), Hiroshi Shimizu’s Love’s Catch Rope (1925), and Hiroshi Innami’s The Golden Bullet (1927). The Golden Bullet is an extraordinary detective film shot on location in Kobe. It is presented in a new tinted and toned restoration with Benshi accompaniment by the renowned Kumiko Omori.

All films have optional English subtitles.

For more information and to view the exhibit, visit: Film Succession