Pacifiction (Albert Serra, 2022)

Location: Rubenstein Arts Center Film Theater

Pacifiction
(Albert Serra, 2022, 162 min, France/Spain/Germany/Portugal, French with English subtitles, DCP)

Catalan filmmaker Albert Serra reconfirms his centrality in the contemporary cinematic landscape with this mesmerizing portrait of a French bureaucrat drifting through a fateful trip to a French Polynesian island with increasing anxiety. Pacifiction charts the various uneasy relationships that develop between Magimel’s autocratic yet avuncular High Commissioner, De Roller, and the Indigenous locals who operate essentially under his faux-benevolent thumb, many of whom we meet at a resort that caters to the prurient exoticism of foreign tourists. Serra’s gripping, atmospheric thriller is a slow-building fever dream that lulls before catching us by surprise with the depths of its darkness, a film that allows its incisive social commentary about the remnants of colonialism to surface through quiet observation and aesthetic audacity. Cahiers du cinéma’s choice for best film of 2022!

Pacifiction has the rhythm and flavor of a tropical reverie, and the source of his arresting power derives from its ability to weave thriller stylings with disquieting detours into the uncanny, footage that seems plucked out of a dream.” – MUBI

Pacifiction does not look like any other film. It doesn’t taste or smell like other films, either, even Serra’s own distinctive body of work ... a film unlike any other this year ... Serra is an incredible filmmaker and this is his most wildly expressive project yet.” – The Film Stage

“The atmosphere is chokingly sensual, the geopolitical implications are operatic, and the filmmaking is at once puckish and grand ... A gorgeous and grave anti-epic.” – The Playlist


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Screen/Society screenings are free and open to the public.

Parking Info:  https://artscenter.duke.edu/parking


COVID-19 INFORMATION:

As we welcome audiences back for in-person screening events, we are prioritizing the health and safety of our extended community. Keeping each other safe during events will require collaboration and we are grateful for your support. Screen/Society and the Rubenstein Arts Center will adhere to all university, local, and state regulations on and off campus, which are subject to change on short notice depending on public health conditions.

Vaccination Status: We strongly encourage audience members to be fully vaccinated or have a recent negative PCR test before attending an event.  Duke University currently requires all students and employees to be vaccinated. More information on Duke University’s COVID-19 response.

Masking: Current Duke University guidelines for events apply to all presentations on campus.  As of 09/22/2022, masks are no longer mandatory for indoor screenings, though the policy could change again in the future. Masking remains one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others, and is strongly recommended, especially in indoor settings. We should respect an individual’s decision to wear a mask even if it is not required.

Stay Home If You Are Feeling Sick: If you are feeling or showing symptoms of COVID-19 or if you believe you might have come into contact with someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, please stay home.

Seating: For our screenings, seating is based on a first-come basis. We encourage everyone to be respectful during performances and maintain distancing as they feel comfortable.

Enhanced Cleaning: Venues on Duke University’s campus are operating under restricted access and receive enhanced cleaning and sanitization of high-touch surfaces. Duke University venue ventilation is in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Hand Hygiene: Hand sanitizer stations are positioned throughout campus venues for your convenience.

Healthy Team: All employees and vendors are required to be symptom free before entering the building, as well as wear masks at all times, and frequently wash their hands during shifts.

 

 

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Contact: Hank Okazaki

Email: hokazak@duke.edu

Sponsor: Duke Cinematic Arts