Closing Film: Fifth Cinema

Document is excited to present the European Premiere of Nguyen Trinh Thi’s Fifth Cinema, introduced by Dr Philippa Lovatt.

Fifth Cinema begins with a quiet statement: “I am a filmmaker, as you know.” That text and what follows, by Maori filmmaker Barry Barclay, who coined the term ‘Fourth Cinema’ to distinguish Indigenous cinema from the established ‘First, Second, and Third Cinema’ framework, provides structure to Nguyen’s hybrid essay film that moves on multiple cinematic and topical terrains. Eschewing voice in favour of the written word and juxtaposing moving images of the filmmaker’s own daughter with archival images of Vietnamese women seen through the lens of the “ship’s officers”, the film slowly leads the viewer through a narrative of colonialism, indigeneity and cinematic limitations in representation.

Before we head into the last screening of Document 2019, we invite ticket holders to join us for a drink in CCA’s Atrium from 19.15, generously sponsored by Drygate Brewing Co.