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The Ethics Machine: Six Gazes of the Camera

Documentary filmmakers strike out into the landscapes of humans and animals to make films about “the world,” not “a world.” This makes all the difference. It means that every camera angle, every light, every cut, every edit, every music hook—every choice—poses an ethical challenge. This turns the documentary camera into an ethics machine.

Venues: Yamagata Museum of Art 1, 5

Using a frame of six gazes and the ethics they imply, this program will feature lively dialogues between audiences and filmmakers. Films include Hara Kazuo’s legendary The Emperor’s Naked Army Marches On (1987), the tapestry of injustice in Zhao Liang’s Petition (director’s cut, 2009), the social media deceits of Catfish (2010), The Model (2013), a double feature of the masterpieces Fighting Soldiers (1939) and Land Without Bread (1933) and the disturbing stalking experiment of RAPE (1969) by Yoko Ono and John Lennon. Discussions led by Abé Mark Nornes, Brian Winston and Saito Ayako. There will be special panels on the ethical conundrums of 311 filmmaking, and on Fair Use with director Gordon Quinn (Kartemquin, Chicago).