I just got the chance to see a collection of Bokanowski's short films at the Aurora film festival. Not being familiar with his work, I didn't really know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised by the opening film La Plage, which turned out to be the best of an excellent bunch. The most striking thing about this film (as well as the other shorts by Bokanowski that we saw)was how captivating a non-narrative film could be. The absolutely gorgeous and surreal imagery on screen, accompanied by a fantastic soundtrack by his wife Michele is a captivating combination, allowing you to appreciate the film as a piece of art, without constantly needing to look for hidden meaning. I also got to meet and briefly talk to Mr Bokanowski, and he is a most friendly French fellow. I actually did meet him before the film, as I was going up the stairs in the cinema, but of course I didn't know who he was then!
I would definitely recommend these films, especially La Plage. Even if you are not familiar with experimental film, this would be a perfect introduction; beautiful, accessible and bizarre.
