Main programme  

A unique animated documentary on the life of controversial MIT professor, philosopher, linguist, anti-war activist and political firebrand Noam Chomsky. Through complex, lively conversations with Chomsky and brilliant illustrations by Gondry himself, the film reveals the life and work of the father of modern linguistics while also exploring his theories on the emergence of language. The result is not only a dazzling, vital portrait of one of the foremost thinkers of modern times, but also a beautifully animated work of art.  

Michel Gondry's films are personal and honest. Sometimes they are full of surprising creativity, and sometimes – of his particular aesthetics of waxen flowers and awkwardly decorated figures. This time Gondry undertakes to analyse the relation between the language itself and how we grasp it. Who other better than Noam Chomsky, an unbending advocate of the freedom of word, could answer director's questions. Is the man who is tall happy? Does the boat remain the same if its every plank is changed? The film is French director's free animated interpretations on philosophy, that slightly overwhelm Chomsky's thoughts but at the same time liberate visual thinking. A. Z.   

Michel Gondry

Ever-surprising innovator Michel Gondry is notable for creating artistic works that are anything but mediocre. Early in his career he earned recognition with his outstanding music videos (he made several for Björk), and then decided to embark on the journey of filmmaking. His films take to allegorical surreal worlds where fantasy and dream prevail.  

Filmography  

 The Foam of the Days / L'écume des jours (2013)
Science of Sleep (2006)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)