A cooperation between Gewächshaus, Dina Yann, Filmarchiv Austria and WIENWOCHE

The screening and talk moves a critical examination of the Kaiserfilm — a uniquely Austrian genre of Austrian post-war cinema set during the reign of Kaiser Franz Josef (1848–1916) – into the center of discussion. These films, including the globally popular Sissi series, portray the often-brutal Habsburg era coined as the “Völkerkerker” in a fairytale-like manner, emphasizing unity and harmony. Pivotal to the genre are “Kaiser nostalgia” and the connected “Habsburg myth,” which tie to Austria’s continuous glorification of its colonial-imperialility also anchored in the tourist industry. The genre aimed to erase Austria's Nazi past by escaping to an identity affirming fairytale staged in Kaiserfilm.

The talk and Kaisersfilm excerpt screening includes visual and sonic interventions aiming to provide a resistant point of departure. It serves  as an invitation to discuss the present imperial implications of the Kaiserfilm on Austria`s post migrant, post-colonial and post-nazistic society.

Dina Yanni: screening/talk/discussion
Moderation: Weina Zhao 

Dina Yanni is a Vienna based video artist and political scientist. Dina creates video work that utilizes existing footage, experimental editing and data corruption to reveal, reevaluate and reframe power structures discovered in the original materials. Her work has been exhibited at video art and underground festivals internationally.

Screening: Dina Yanni

Talk: Dina Yanni and Gewächshaus

Moderation: Gewächshaus