Muses

Istanbul Modern Cinema’s new film program, Muses, presents a selection of films that address the concept of inspiration. A mix of fictional and documentary films examine the arrival and disappearance of inspiration as well as muses, who are believed to have divine powers. The films in the selection include Oeke Hoogendijk’s 2020-documentary My Rembrandt, which explores the inspirational energy of Rembrandt, one of the most important painters in the history of art. Another film, Shirley, examines the intricate relationship between the famous writer of horror and mystery books Shirley Jackson and Rose, the young woman whom she decides to make the subject of her new novel. The 2019-documentary, Talking about Trees, tells the story of four filmmakers in Sudan who continue to draw inspiration from cinema, even though the governing regime prohibits it. Last but not least, Christian Petzold’s fairytale-like film, Undine, brings mythology to contemporary Berlin. The film won two awards at the Berlin Film Festival last year, including the Silver Bear for Best Actress. All films can be watched free online between June 18-30.