Stefan Jarl Press Conference
“Art’s mission is to open peoples’ eyes”
On account of the tribute to his work in the framework of the 6th Thessaloniki Documentary Festival – Images of the 21st Century, prominent Swedish director Stefan Jarl gave a press conference on Thursday, March 18th. Jarl spoke among others about the art of documentaries, the new technologies in cinema and how it can shape the world. Dimitri Eipides, the Director of the Festival welcomed the director saying, “Mr. Jarl is this year’s honored guest of festival. His films are being screened in Greece for the first time and on Thursday evening we will honor him for the sum of his work”.
Following the coordinator of the Jarl tribute, Dimitris Kerkinos, Stefan Jarl took the stand and proceeded to explain the differences between fiction films and documentaries. “The truth is there is no difference between the two. Their structure is the same, only that the bricks are laid differently. Basically, in both fiction films and documentaries, you have to persuade the audience that what you are presenting is assembled in a certain way. This is the basic thing they have in common. Besides, my documentaries have a strong dose of fiction”. In a question posed about the thematic link between his films, Stefan Jarl said: “I am primarily interested in society. My intention is to voice the opinions of those who remain unheard. I also focus on people. All people are the same to me. Politicians have to be convinced that people in the streets are often much more interesting and have more to say than they do”.
Jarl emphasized the importance of editing in cinema saying that it is the key in the creative process, involving the collaboration of many people –sound engineers, composers and directors- which is exactly what differentiates cinema from the other arts. On account of his latest film, “Terrorists – The kids they sentenced”, Jarl was asked whether he believes that activists are a type of terrorist. “They are definitely not. Activists are good people. They may do some stupid things but they are good. Nowadays, each one of us is part of a global movement. Governments might present activists as terrorists because they fear revolt in the streets. That’s why they call them terrorists. They believe that activists must become part of society as they define it: because what they fear is change in the foundation”.
Stefan Jarl also spoke extensively about the value of new technologies in cinema, digital cameras, the simplification of the production process, and DVD and its practicality, since anyone can have a large amount of information about films and directors at their disposal. He pointed out that he likes the fact that cinema is no longer an art produced solely by men, but women as well, since there are many female directors in the industry. Jarl also spoke about Ulof Palme, the murdered prime minister of Sweden, and he noted the importance of his work 20 years ago, for the incorporation of misfits such as drug addicts in society.
As for his personal participation in his films, Stefan Jarl said: “It’s important for the audience to know that a film is comprised of scenes and the director conducts them. You must say to the audience: Don’t forget that I am behind the camera. I need to persuade them that what they see has passed through the eyes of the director. You have to try to open their eyes. That’s the mission of art. To make people see more things”. Finally, when asked if a film has the power to bring change Jarl said: 'Yes, of course. It’s a fact that you can change the world with a camera. For example, my colleague, Lukas Moodysson’s film titled “Lilia forever” which deals with procuration was screened throughout Scandinavia. Immediately, a campaign began in Russia to battle this affliction. Special measures were taken to dissolve the mafia that controlled it. That film was definitely able to change something in the world”.
