Known for Acting
While creating SHE IS CONANN, Bertrand Mandico also filmed two short films simultaneously to create an entire "Barbarian Cycle" that brings you deeper into the world that Mandico has created. Presented in this program are: Rainer, A Vicious Dog in a Skull Valley (26min); Apocalypse After (35min); and We Barbarians (27min).
Traveling through the abyss, underworld dog Rainer recounts the six lives of Conann, perpetually put to death by her own future, across eras, myths and ages. From her childhood, a slave of Sanja and her barbarian horde, to her accession to the summits of cruelty at the doors of our world.
Considered an immigrant, common and plain, Catherine de Medici is married into the 16th century French court as an orphaned teenager expected to bring a fortune in dowry and produce many heirs, only to discover that her husband is in love with an older woman, her dowry is unpaid and she’s unable to concieve. Yet, only with her intelligence and determination, she manages to keep her marriage alive and masters the bloodsport that is the monarchy better than anyone else, ruling France for 50 years.
The end of the world of humanity as seen by Mandico. A time, as much future as current, where “cinema will be will be all other and nothing else”. Where, “it will be the last appointment of the flesh”, where “the energy will be cannibal and the sun will reflect to say nothing”. Pessimistic or optimistic is this cinematic pamphlet on art? In this destroy, and barbaric, jubilant and cinematic transgressive performance, it's up to you to think. Because thus spoke Bertrand Mandico...
Unseen shots of a “heroic fantasy” film. A modeled model, a cosmic desert, a buried desire.
In collaboration with AIDES, an association fighting against HIV, this feature film brings together over 30 artists to explore the freedom to love beyond stereotypes. Desire, passion, break-ups, Grand Amour or the modern version of the freedom to love. All stories are told across genders and sexualities.
A heroic-fantasy musical.
An abandoned seaside resort. The shooting for a fantasy film about the end of an era wraps up. Two women, both members of the film crew, one an actrice, the other a director, Apocalypse and Joy, are on the verge of concluding their love affair.