On the waterfront

Various directors

1998

Without wanting to doubt the great practical usefulness of ports and their economic importance, this is not what matters in the role of the port in the world of cinema. In the film, port cities are mythical and legendary locations. Places of both hope and despair. Places where, since time immemorial, the most diverse drifted people washed ashore. From far away and always going on. Always new temporary extras in the atmospheric setting of port caf, ‘s and red light districts. Places where not all journeys are legal, smuggle rampant, trade unions are corrupt and organized crime almighty.In short, a dark and romantic world that served and serves as a backdrop for fantastic films.

Credits

Michael Pilz / Havana, Cuba
Mahamat Saleh Haroun / New York
Jem Cohen / New York
Nathalie Alonso Casala / St. Petersburg
Garin Nugroho / Tanjung Priok, Jakarta
Lou Ye / Shanghai
Chris Petit / Tilbury
Pablo Trapero / Buenos Aires
Jon Jost / Persoonlijke archief
Laura Waddinton / Porto Marghera, Venetië, Yugoslavia, Greece, Libanon en Syria

IFFR in coöperation with De Productie.