SOUTHWIND
A cinematographical essay by Maxime Berthou and Mark Požlep
Presented by Forceps Media
Curated by Amy Mackie
January 18, 2022 - 6pm
Free and open to the public
*The screening will be outdoors, so be sure to dress warmly and bring a blanket and/or chair.*
Maxime Berthou, will be present at the event to introduce the project.
"Southwind," a cinematographical essay by Maxime Berthou and Mark Požlep, curated by Amy Mackie and organized by PARSE NOLA will have its US premiere at the New Orleans Jazz Museum on January 18, 2022, at 6 pm during the final week of Prospect New Orleans.
Berthou and Požlep embarked on a practice-based research journey on the Mississippi River from September 2 to October 20, 2019. Their means of transportation was a hand-built 20-foot steam-powered paddleboat named "Thumpa." Their goal was to research and experience contemporary life along this mythical 2,300-mile-long river.
The pretext of the trip was to collect corn from local farmers in ten different states. The production of corn plays a major role in the US economy and most if it is used to produce ethanol for the oil industry. Its production severely (and negatively) impacts the Mississippi River. Faced with this environmental quandary, the artists captured moments along the river of the faces and stories of those who provide the labor for this invasive, but incredibly lucrative industry.
"Southwind" is supported by The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and Étant Donnés, a program of Villa Albertine and FACE Foundation in partnership with the French Embassy in the United States, with support from the French Ministry of Culture, Institut Français, Ford Foundation, Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, CHANEL, and ADAGP. In-kind support was provided by The French American Chamber of Commerce, Gulf South, The New Orleans Jazz Museum, and PARSE NOLA.
You can read more about the project here: