German film maker Christina von Greve is in NZ to present a compilation of 16 experimental German music videos produced between 2003 and 2007. Awarded the MuVi Prize at the International Short Film Festival Oberhausen for best visualisation, these clips are in stark contrast to the vibe of expensive performer videos.

The Goethe-Institut, The Film Archive and MIC presents Saving Pop Culture in Auckland at Galatos on October 7 and in Wellington at the Film Archive on October 9-11. German film maker Christina von Greve is in NZ to present a compilation of 16 experimental German music videos produced between 2003 and 2007. Awarded the MuVi Prize at the International Short Film Festival Oberhausen for best visualisation, these clips are in stark contrast to the vibe of expensive performer videos.

The Goethe-Institut, The Film Archive and MIC presents Saving Pop Culture in Auckland at Galatos on October 7 and in Wellington at the Film Archive on October 9-11.NZ musicians Bright Colours will be playing a live performance in response to Christina's work on October 11.

During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
There is no special time - it depends on what I'm doing. While editing process for example the morning time is the best time.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
Maybe something like: Christina's work is sometimes mysterious and slightly veiled.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
E.g.: While previewing Fount Footage or self-shot material - all the sudden a little snippet excites me - I discover something and I know by heart this is it! I discover something to work with....So these are really thrilling moments! From there on the ideas get often developed...

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
Well sometimes it's good focussing on details even to make the big picture more obvious.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?
Most important: to have great staying power!

Your films are going to have live musical accompaniment at the Wellington screening at the Film Archive, what difference does this bring to your film work?
Normally I'm very precise with the editing and once the film is finished - that's it. For the evening with a live performance in Wellington I made several clips (it's not an existing film) using an intensive form of loop structure - so it is a situation where I don't know if and how it will work! So it's of course very exciting! (The film XAXAPOYA works a bit in this way.)

What do you like best about music videos?
The possibility of going in any direction - animation, performance, documentary, experimental, digital effects, analog stuff and so on....

You have collaborated a lot with C-Shultz who you met at art school in Cologne, are you still collaborating? Do you often work with other artists?
We still work on certain projects together. If we don't make films together, at least he always composes the music to my works.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
To be true: all of them, it's a fantastic feeling if you have finished a film or a project. It's always satisfyingly because you went through and made it!

Who or what has inspired you recently?
The last edition of the International Film Festival in Rotterdam, The Netherlands - incredible films!

What place is always with you, wherever you go?
The kitchen in my flat, where I normally sit, eat, think....

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
Lay down with headphones on - helps to focus only on music - blind out the rest.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
Fast way: Close your eyes for at least 60 sec and breathe properly - it calms down immediately your peripheral nervous system.

Auckland, Galatos, 17 Galatos St, Newton, Auckland City, October 7, 7 pm

Wellington, The New Zealand Film Archive, October 9-11 2008, 7 pm

Saving Pop Culture: Experimental German Music Videos

07/10/08