The film "Karl Marx, Luanda," created by Angolan artist Kiluanji Kia Henda, is scheduled to have its world premiere at the 56th International Film Festival Rotterdam, which will take place from January 28 to February 7, 2027, in the Netherlands. The film is a collaboration between Angola and Portugal, produced by Wonder Maria Filmes. According to the festival, "Karl Marx, Luanda" is a satirical work that imagines a country renewing its commitment to communism, telling a story of love with time travel.
Kiluanji Kia Henda, a multidisciplinary artist born in 1979, is known for his work that explores collective memory, public spaces, and society. His art often reflects on post-colonialism, as seen in various exhibitions and creations. Some of his notable works include "Redefining the power," which focuses on the movement to remove monuments that have emerged in America, Europe, and Africa. This piece has been widely recognized, earning him the National Prize for Art and Culture in Angola in 2012 and the Frieze Artist Award in 2017.
The artist has participated in prominent international events, such as the Bienal de São Paulo, and has been selected for exhibitions at renowned institutions like the Centre George Pompidou in Paris, the Tate Modern in London, and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. In 2020, he was part of a show at the Centre George Pompidou, and in 2018, he exhibited at the Tate Modern. His work has also been featured at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. in 2015.
Kiluanji Kia Henda's film "Karl Marx, Luanda" marks his return to the Rotterdam festival, where he previously presented the performance "Red Light Square – history is a bitch project: Kinaxixi" in 2021. This project was developed during his residency in Porto and focused on the Largo de Kinaxixi in Luanda. The film combines elements of African science fiction with "western spaghetti," as described by the festival.
The 56th edition of the International Film Festival Rotterdam will feature "Karl Marx, Luanda" as one of its first announced titles. The festival will take place over ten days, showcasing a diverse range of films from around the world. This premiere will provide an opportunity for audiences to experience Kiluanji Kia Henda's unique vision and creative storytelling.
Kiluanji Kia Henda is also known for his public art projects, including the Memorial de Homenagem às Pessoas Escravizadas, which is set to be installed in the Ribeira das Naus area of Lisbon. His work continues to explore themes of memory, identity, and social justice, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the contemporary art world.
The premiere of "Karl Marx, Luanda" at the Rotterdam Film Festival is a significant milestone for Kiluanji Kia Henda, highlighting his versatility as an artist and his ability to engage with different mediums and themes. The film is expected to spark interesting discussions and debates, given its unique blend of science fiction, satire, and social commentary.
Key points
- Kiluanji Kia Henda's film "Karl Marx, Luanda" to premiere at the 56th Rotterdam Film Festival in January 2027.
- The film is a collaboration between Angola and Portugal, produced by Wonder Maria Filmes.
- Kiluanji Kia Henda is a multidisciplinary artist known for his work exploring collective memory, public spaces, and society.
