Laila
05.03.2009 @ Landmark 21:00
Fatal Nordic Attractions – Identity in the Making.
Laila Hansen (GL) and The Ghost (FO)
When thinking about Greenland one tends to imagine vast icebergs within an atypical palette of green and blue. The fact that it is the largest island in the world might also come to mind. Vikings, Eskimos, seals and polar bears, lately also global warming and rising waters all applies as valid associations from an outsiders point of view. Prejudice yes, even ignorant, but still dominating as common definitions of the far away part of Denmark.
What we might not know is that Greenland is on the verge of cutting its umbilical cord from Danish subsidies and cultural impact. In November last year 75% of the population voted in favor for a greater autonomy from Denmark. Among other things the referendum means taking over the home rule in areas like the police force, coast-guard, and courts, giving Greenland a say in their own foreign politics and having Greenlandic stand as the sole official language of the state.
Having been historically clinched between cultures in a rapid time of development, the pressure to re-adapt to a new society might have seemed endless for the common Greenlander. With its pro´s and con´s closing in on life and family, a backdrop of a new era was established a little too fast, leaving out the solid structures of native experience and tradition.
Most adjusting well and some walking out, they all contribute to the notion of who they are to become.
The documentary Inuk Woman City Blues (2002) is the first Greenlandic representation of a wide known problem of alcoholism among Greenlandic immigrants in Denmark. We have invited the filmmaker Laila Hansen to introduce her film and talk about the relevance of cultural autonomy in Greenland.
Sharing faith with Greenland we seek for creative expressions in Faroe Islands as well and found it this time in a young band called The Ghost. Filip Mortensen (20) and Urbanus Olsen (21) will play an indie electro pop concert.
Laila Hansen lives and works in Ilulissat, Greenland. She studied at the European Film College in Denmark and the Vancouver Film School in Canada. Hansen is also trained as an actress and singer. Her film productions includes short films, tv commercials, music videos, documentaries and tv for children. Lately Hansen has been directing and acting in a play for the Ilulissat Cultural House. She is currently script writing for the Ilulissat Cultural House and assisting an upcoming feature film by Paramount Pictures.
Laila Hansen will also give a lecture at Kunsthøgskolen in Marken 37 on Wednesday 4th at 13:00
Please visit The Ghost on myspace
The Ghost is presented in collaboration with Return of the Pony and Hulen. During their stay in Bergen The Ghost will also play at Hulen March 6th and at Fincken March 7th!