Solaris (35mm OmU)

Original title: Soljaris, Director: Andrei Tarkowski, Soviet Union 1972,167 minutes, 35mm, original version with German subtitles, original language: Russian

"In his endless search for truth, man is condemned to knowledge."

Sent to an aging research space station orbiting the planet Solaris, psychologist Kelvin is sent to investigate the human condition inside and outside the spheres of Earth. There, he discovers that the crew of scientists in the sprawling spaceship are trying to understand an alien intelligence that takes the form of a vast ocean on the titular alien planet and can seemingly materialize the memories, fears, hopes, desires and thoughts of the space travellers.

Tarkovsky's masterpiece meditates on our relationship to the planet, the cosmos and the unknown in poetically powerful images. It is also about hope, hopelessness, fear and shame. The burden of knowledge and the cursed questions to which we may never have answers.

In the supporting program: La jetée
Director: Chris Marker
France 1962, 28 minutes, 35mm, original French version

Blue Salon, Room 012, HfG Karlsruhe
Free admission, donation requested