An ‘orphan film’ is any motion picture that has been abandoned by its owner or caretaker. Usually, as the Orphan Film Symposium has it, the term refers to all manner of films outside of the commercial mainstream: public domain materials, home movies, outtakes, alternate endings, undeveloped reels, unreleased material, industrial and educational movies, CCTV footage, just about anything that’s unloved, unwanted or forgotten.

The Orphanage is a celebration of the possibilities of recycling. The furniture, decorations and art works that decorate the space will all be composed from found objects. Most significantly, the core of the piece features a series of eccentric films that, by virtue of their uncertain copyright status, can be put before the public with no need to pay royalties or clear rights. These films are, in that sense, endlessly recyclable resources that demonstrate the worth rooting through the trash before leaving it out for the binman.

One man’s tat is another man’s treasure. In that spirit, we bring you The Orphanage, a place where concepts like copyright and ownership have no meaning. Far away from the grown up world’s slavish adherence to shiny new products, this Neverland of object d’art and orphan films is made from 100% recycled materials; the decor is cobbled together from free trade pieces, the movies have been retrieved from darkest recesses.  

 Come join us on our bench for a marathon of foundling films including the Brazilian remake of Star Wars, a Turkish Wizard of Oz, the North Korean Godzilla (made to order for Kim Jong-il) and Plan 9 from Outer Space retold through the fine medium of Mexican wrestling.

  This is an entirely free, interactive and democratic piece. Gawp through the window or take in Badi (the Turkish E.T.) from the comfort of our space. Films will screen all day, every day for the duration of the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival.

 There are, however, certain terms and conditions. Seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Behave as you would in a gallery or library. Do wipe your feet. Do heap praise on Alan Kelly and Evan Doherty. Do remember you’re in a place of business. Do visit the recycling bin with popcorn remnants on the way out. Do consider giving our gracious hosts your custom. Do move up a bit when required. Do stay as long as you like. Do keep watch for special guests and mystery titles.

  Sadly, none of our orphans are available for adoption but feel free to rank them and rate them at the festival website.  The most comprehensive critique wins a hamper of genuine film related tat.


 

Credits –

 'Remakes' by Evan Doherty

Curated by Tara Brady

This instalation could not exist without the assistance of Alan Kelly, Donald Clarke, and Barbara Murphy.

Special thanks to Peter Murphy and everybody at Hot Press.

Hosted by the Green House

Facilitated by Grainne Humphries and the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival





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