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THE TIES THAT BIND
a film by Su Friedrich
55 minutes, B&W, USA, 1984, 16mm
Languages: English, German
THE TIES THAT BIND is a powerful meditation on political responsibility
and personal loss as seen through the story of the filmmaker’s
mother, who grew up in Nazi Germany. Using rare archival footage,
extensive interviews and critical commentary, Friedrich constructs
a fearless dialogue between past and present, between mother and
daughter. THE TIES THAT BIND engages in a profound search for an
understanding of history, and challenges us in our responsibility
for the present.
- New Directors/New Films, MoMA
- "Le Mois du Film Documentaire," France
- "In and Out of the Cold, 1945 to 1995," International
Documentary Congress
- "Filmer l'Histoire," Centre Georges Pompidou
- Flaherty Film Seminar; Salsomaggiore Film and TV Festival
- Festival of New York Independent Films in Haifa, Tel Aviv
and Jerusalem
- "1945-1985: Women and Resistance," Amsterdam
PLUS BONUS FEATURE FILM:
THE LESBIAN AVENGERS EAT FIRE, TOO
a film by Su Friedrich, co-directed by Janet Baus
55 minutes, color, USA, 1993, Video
This film documents the first year of actions by The Lesbian Avengers,
a group of bold and brazen New York City activists fighting for
recognition and equal rights for lesbians everywhere. We recruit!
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what
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THE
TIES THAT BIND
"THE TIES THAT BIND is one of the most
moving and profound films about the mother-daughter relationship.
Blending documentary and experimental modes, Friedrich investigates
her mother's background as a German citizen during WWII--an
issue that has vexed her daughter during her youth. While
her mother is shown on-screen and is heard acoustically, the
filmmaker remains "silent" but voices her thoughts
through titles scratched into the film emulsion. In so doing,
Friedrich creates a beautiful and powerful film in the tradition
of Michelle Citron's earlier DAUGHTER RITE."
Lucy Fischer, Professor, UNIVERSITY
OF PITTSBURGH
“The best of New Directors/New Films.…
The film is an original, a moving and courageous tribute from
a child to a mother’s beleaguered memory.”
David Edelstein, VILLAGE VOICE
“On every level, Friedrich’s
films are resonant with thought and craft.”
Scott MacDonald, FILM QUARTERLY
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