The much-anticipated Rencontres Internationales Paris/Berlin is set to unveil its 2023 edition, running from 30 October to 5 November. As a premier platform for contemporary moving image practices, this year’s showcase promises a rich tapestry of 165 works from 52 countries, curated from a staggering 7,000 submissions.

The event, founded by Nathalie Hénon and Jean-François Rettig, is a testament to the power of visual storytelling in our image-saturated world. They believe that in the hands of artists, images can « shift our gaze » and challenge our perceptions, offering « possible worlds and utopias needed to reinvent our times. » This year’s highlights include a retrospective of avant-garde icon Yvonne Rainer, whose works have been recently restored by MoMA. Portuguese filmmaker Pedro Costa, winner of the Golden Leopard at the 72nd Locarno Festival, is given carte blanche, while American artist Peggy Ahwesh premieres her latest film “OR117”, co-directed with Jacqueline Goss.

The Moving Image Art Prize returns for its second edition, celebrating outstanding contributions to the art form. Last year, the accolade was bestowed upon the artist duo Effi & Amir. Several emblematic venues in Paris, such as the Centre Pompidou, Maison Européenne de la Photographie, and Jeu de Paume, will host the event. Following its Parisian run, Berlin will welcome the showcase from 12 to 17 March 2024 at the Haus der Kulturen der Welt.

The 2023 edition also delves deep into pressing global issues. From the climate crisis, as explored by Monira Al Qadiri and Natacha Nisic, to feminism and gender narratives by Jane Jin Kaisen and Wendelien van Oldenborgh. The disruptive force of artificial intelligence is tackled by Stéphane Degoutin, Gwenola Wagon, and John Menick, while others like Jonathas de Andrade and Ben Rivers present visions of utopia.

With a diverse array of artists, from Jasmina Cibic to Iván Argote, addressing political and societal challenges, this year’s Rencontres Internationales Paris/Berlin promises a profound exploration of contemporary audiovisual creation.

Discover more here 
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Pedro Costa – « As Filhas do fogo », 2023

Peggy Ahwesh, Jacqueline Goss – « OR119 », 2022