UnionDocs is thrilled to present Autoretratos Feministas, a program that looks at the legacy of the audiovisual self-portrait through the work of Argentinian’s AREA (Association of Experimental Filmmakers and Video-Artists). Co-presented with Cinema Tropical.

The films and videos included in this screening all work towards a feminist self-representation. Looking at approaches that are poetic,  performative, speculative, and figurative they are rife with experimentation, employing or distorting tropes in nimble ways. Meditating on public and private spheres, exploring the absence and presence of the body both as prison and refuge, and using reflection and movement to unlock an understanding towards a more comprehensive feminist gaze looking back on itself, these works capture something essential and emotional in the processing of one owns self for another’s eyes.

These films reach us through a variety of forms. From Super 8 to 16mm analog works to digital HD, found footage, or scenes captures with phone cameras, these works traverse the spectrum of format as is in the mission of AREA’s practice. This program also includes the first performative self-portrait in the history of Argentine video art (Roles, by Graciela Taquini, 1988).

We’re delighted to welcome cultural producer Solana Chehtman and filmmaker and AREA member Fabiana Gallegos for a post-screening conversation in which they will discuss Fabiana’s work and the collective’s practice.

Roles by Graciela Taquini (1988, 2:51)

Agua Viva by Luciana Foglio (2016, 8:02)

Rostros by Luján Montes (2017, 3:55)

YO. VOS. TODOS by Fabiana Gallegos (2018, 5:31)

Fabiana Gallegos graduated from the Universidad del Cine in Buenos Aires, where she received a degree in film directing. She is currently doing a Master in Technology and Aesthetics of Electronic Arts at the University of Tres de Febrero (UNTREF). Her research includes the study of the various audiovisual practices, such as photography, experimental film, video art, audiovisual installations and crosslinking with different disciplines. She teaches at the Universidad del Cine, in the ORT School and the workshop “Beyond Cinema” at Club Cultural Matienzo (CCM). She has curated several exhibits including the video-art exhibition in Tandil Film Festival 2012 and 2013, along with Mariela Cantú, the video-art exhibition in the X Festival Transteritorial de Cine Underground 2013 and 2014, a program of Paulo Pecora in the International Festival Independent Film at La Plata 2013, with the Argentine Arca Video “Poeticas de archivo” at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Buenos Aires (MACBA) in 2014 and with the collective Arkhe a monthly cycle in CCM program. She has worked as an Art Director in short films, feature films, music videos and commercials since 2007.

Solana Chehtman has over 15 years of experience as a cultural producer, arts administrator, and philanthropy officer and consultant -both in her country of origin, Argentina, and internationally. Solana offers comprehensive expertise in convening and supporting artists, constituents, and broad networks of partners at the service of sustainable and authentic community-building, civic participation, and social change. In her current role as Director of Civic Programs at The Shed, and previously as Vice President of Public Engagement at Friends of the High Line, she collaborates with artists to create transformative experiences that intentionally promote a sense of belonging and relevance for a broad diversity of neighbors and New Yorkers. Solana holds an Ed. M. in Education Policy from Teachers College, Columbia University. She also currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at the MA in Arts Administration at Baruch College, CUNY.