Perspective Film Series Presents:
Sweet Dreams
Directed by Ena Sendijarevic
Sunday, October 22nd | Doors: 5pm
2023 | Dutch | 102 mins
This month’s perspective explores major cultural themes related to Europe's troubled colonial history. Viewers will gain insight into the complex dynamics of colonialism, racism, and exploitation during the colonial era in the Dutch East Indies. Through a postmodern mix of satire, surrealism, and cinematic lyricism, the film delves into the consequences of colonialism as a prosperous sugar plantation family faces disruption and confronts the Indigenous people who resist subjugation. The film's use of the 1.33:1 Academy ratio and its division into chapters provide a contemporary prism for critiquing historical racism and exploitation, highlighting the enduring impact of colonialism on society and individuals.
FREE with $10 admission to Contemporary Calgary. FREE for members. Our galleries are open 12-5 PM for viewing prior to attending the events.
Sunday, October 22nd
Doors: 5:00pm
Screening: 5:30pm
Q&A: 7:00 PM
FREE with $10 admission to Contemporary Calgary. FREE for members.
Synopsis
Sweet Dreams, directed by Ena Sendijarević in 2023, is a captivating and satirical film set against the backdrop of a sugar plantation in colonial-era Indonesia. The story unfolds on a remote island in the Dutch East Indies during the twilight of the colonial era, focusing on the lives of Dutch plantation owner Jan and his wife, Agathe. Their lives of privilege are disrupted when Jan unexpectedly passes away upon returning from a visit to his native concubine, Siti.
In a bid to preserve her position and privileges, Agathe compels her estranged son Cornelius and his pregnant wife, Josefien, to travel from Europe and assume control of the family business. Amid a backdrop of a workers' uprising, Cornelius introduces his vision for progressive change. However, complications arise when Jan's will places Siti at the forefront of the family estate, testing the strength of ideals against the bonds of blood.
Described as a "gorgeous, sardonic portrait of colonial decline," "Sweet Dreams" masterfully combines absurdity, satire, and surrealism to shed light on the complexity of Dutch-colonial dynamics. Director Ena Sendijarević's film emphasizes the banality of evil and serves as a thought-provoking mirror reflecting the present world while avoiding simplistic victim-hero narratives. The film is a testament to Sendijarević's talent in crafting compelling narratives that challenge conventional perspectives on history and power dynamics.
Genre: Drama
Original Language: Dutch
Director: Ena Sendijarevic
Writer: Ena Sendijarevic
Runtime: 1h 42m
About the Curator:
Alia Aluma (she/her)
Alia Aluma is an award-winning artist, designer, and writer who works in various industries, including academia, philanthropy, and creative. She has lived, worked, and studied on four different continents, gaining notable experiences with the fashion and fine art networks of Hong Kong, as a muralist in Italy, a fashion photographer in England, and creative director, curator, and designer in Calgary, AB. With three degrees from top ranked global universities, Alia also devotes a great deal of time to education as a public speaker, guest instructor, or mentor in her fields of study: Art & History, Communications, Commerce, Film, and World Culture. Her global and enriching experiences have lent her toward a pursuit in philanthropy, starting the Aluma Foundation with her Father and twin brother, which is a scholarship foundation in Uganda for students at all levels. Among all of this, Alia also donates hundreds of hours to in-kind services annually.
