Transitions, 2017, DCP 2K/HD projection, surround 5.1 (no dialogues), 13 min., edition of 5 + 1AP

Transitions is a journey from the civilizing void of the desert to a maximal urban, capitalistic and hedonistic density, which in the case of Las Vegas assumes some bizarre expression. The film is a contemplation without any people or moving machines in it, focussing on the built and designed.

“The work Transitions (2017) by Aurèle Ferrier examines the traces left by human civilisation – the conquest of the inhospitable desert ends in the surreal and hedonistic consumerism of Las Vegas. The camera leads us, with a menacing languor, through a backdrop of deserted city outskirts. The buildings, cars and billboards speak of people’s dreams as they strive for a version of happiness. The prevailing eerie, apocalyptic mood pulls you into this filmic journey. These traces of humanity seem increasingly laughable and helpless; they vibrate with a peculiar melancholy. Where have the people disappeared to? One has the impression that a catastrophe has occurred, an epidemic – or perhaps it is simply an empty film set after a shoot.
With its calm and assured command of image and sound, the film generates a refined suspense. It takes the viewer on an odyssey that can also be read as a metaphor for the limits of human endeavour. The human culture and civilisation that once emerged from the desert will, in the end, become desert again.”
Laudatio by Esther Eppstein & Elodie Pong — Winner Swiss Competition, Videoex Intl. Experimental Film & Video Festival, Zurich

Prizes
2021 Weitblick – trailer Ruhr-Preis, Blicke Filmfestival des Ruhrgebiets, Bochum
2021 Honorable Mention, Experimental Forum, Los Angeles
2020 First prize ex aequo, In Out Festival, Laznia Center of Contemporary Art, Gdansk
2018 Best audiovisual/video art work, Madatac Videoart & New Media Audio-Visual Art, Madrid
2018 Formal Innovation Prize, Eurovideo, Vidéographies International Video Art Association, Liège
2017 Fine Arts Grant, Canton Zurich
2017 Winner Swiss Competition, Videoex Intl. Experimental Film & Video Festival, Zurich

Credits
Concept, camera and editing: Aurèle Ferrier — sound design and foley artist: Peter Bräker — editing consultants: Sandra Bühler, Andreas Müller — third eyes: Anna Hilti, Thomas Galler — post production: Gregg Langlois, Noé Marti — poster design: Krispin Hée — support: Kulturförderung Kanton St.Gallen (fine arts commission / film commission), Volkart Stiftung, Ernst & Olga Gubler-Hablützel Stiftung — Production: Aurèle Ferrier

Technical details for presentation
— DCP data for cinema sreening (2K, 1 : 1.85, colour, surround 5.1)
— HD projection, horizontal line min. 3.5m, 5.1 Dolby Surround (stereo available)

ISAN: 0000-0004-5097-0000-U-0000-0000-L
SWISS FILMS short films