“In all my films, there are people who go to the extremes of themselves, to the very end of their trajectories, with a strong fantasy driving them and with a sense of adventure.”

— Barbet Schroeder, 1977

From Monday 21 April to Wednesday 23 April, experience the fascinating and unique narrative films of renowned Swiss-Iranian director and documentarian Barbet Schroeder. His early work contains many of his career-long thematic preoccupations, exploring people on the margins, love and obsession, the blurring of documentary and fiction, and intriguing power dynamics.

Kicking off our Schroeder appreciation on Monday April 21, we have More, a tantalizing story that follows young Stefan as he travels from Germany to Paris, finding love, danger, and wisdom along the way. Barbet Schroeder’s debut film, More is a romantic yet realistic view of the bohemian lifestyle of the late sixties, featuring an exceptional soundtrack by Pink Floyd.

On Tuesday 22 April, we screen The Valley. Set in Papua New Guinea – and further showcasing Schroeder’s interest in 60s counterculture – The Valley explores Viviane’s desire to experiment with hallucinogens and self-love, while she seeks out a mystical uncharted valley.

Finally on Wednesday 23 April, we have MAÎTRESSE. Olivier, a young and unemployed man from the provinces, arrives in Paris and falls in with a shady character. The two hatch a scheme to rob an apartment they believe to be empty, but it is, in fact, the workplace of Ariane, a leather-clad dominatrix. Please note that MAÎTRESSE features some extreme scenes. Viewer discretion is advised.