Mindful Hearing: Focusing on Understanding and Interpreting Verbal Communications Effectively
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Lucien Castaing-Taylor and Véréna Paravel, two renowned anthropologists and filmmakers, are pushing the boundaries of documentary and ethnographic filmmaking with their unique approach to storytelling. Born in Liverpool, Castaing-Taylor is the founder and director of the Sensory Ethnography Lab (SEL) at Harvard University, a research centre that focuses on capturing sensory, embodied human experiences rather than traditional narrative forms.
The duo's filmmaking approach emphasizes sensory ethnography, aiming to convey physical, visceral experiences rather than relying on linguistic explanation. Their style is radical and experimental, often pushing audiences to engage with the world in new sensory ways. Their films experiment with montage and aesthetics to depict the flux of life and ecological realities, highlighting political and environmental concerns.
One of their most notable works is the 2012 film "Leviathan", a cinematic masterpiece about the sea and industrial deep-sea fishing. The film uses about a dozen cameras placed in unusual positions—tossed, tethered, and even handed among fishermen—to create a raw, physical sense of the sea, the machines, and human labor. "Leviathan" presents the clash and collaboration between humans, nature, and technology in one of mankind’s oldest endeavours, the sea fisheries, by focusing on the sensory experience rather than traditional documentary storytelling techniques.
In addition to their film work, Castaing-Taylor and Paravel's artistic and cinematic ethos is also showcased in the exhibition "Breathing Matter(s)", currently on display until 24.8. at the Betonhalle at silent green. The exhibition features an extensive program of films and discussions, bringing attention to their commitment to exploring the sensory, material world deeply and politically, continuing their engagement with pressing ecological and political challenges.
Moreover, Véréna Paravel will have a "Listening Session" in the dome hall on Saturday.
In the eighth edition of the Festival Anime Berlin, you can catch "Weathering with You" (2019) by Makoto Shinkai on 26.7. at 17.45 Uhr at Babylon Mitte. Another open-air screening at the Filmrauschpalast on 26.7. at 21.30 Uhr presents René Clément's film "Plein soleil" (1955), an adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel "The Talented Mr. Ripley". Alain Delon plays the character Tom Ripley in "Plein soleil", bringing a very attractive negative energy to the screen.
Finally, it's worth mentioning "De Humani Corporis Fabrica" (2022), which includes excerpts filmed with endoscopic cameras showing operations on human bodies. This work demonstrates the duo's commitment to pushing the boundaries of filmmaking and exploring the sensory, material world in unprecedented ways.
In summary, Lucien Castaing-Taylor and Véréna Paravel are pioneers in the field of sensory ethnographic filmmaking, combining anthropological and ethnographic content with audiovisual media to create a distinct cinematic language that challenges viewers' perceptions of the world. Their innovative approach to storytelling marks a significant departure from conventional observation, offering instead a multi-sensory, embodied experience that invites audiences to engage with the world in new and profound ways.
[1] Castaing-Taylor, L., & Paravel, V. (2012). Leviathan. Documentary film. [2] Castaing-Taylor, L., & Paravel, V. (2019). De Humani Corporis Fabrica. Documentary film. [3] Castaing-Taylor, L., & Paravel, V. (2022). Breathing Matter(s). Exhibition. [4] Castaing-Taylor, L., & Paravel, V. (2022). Invisible Anthropology. Book.
- Despite their expertise in anthropology and filmmaking, Lucien Castaing-Taylor and Véréna Paravel's interests extend beyond movies and TV, as they have also written a book titled "Invisible Anthropology."
- In the realm of entertainment, their remarkable documentary film "Leviathan" (2012) explores the intersection of technology, artificial-intelligence and the sea, offering a unique perspective on industrial deep-sea fishing.
- Artificial-intelligence and sensory ethnography are not just confined to books and movies; their boundary-pushing exhibition "Breathing Matter(s)" showcases their innovative approach to understanding and portraying the world, currently on display at the Betonhalle at silent green.
