Film presentation Johannes Wohnseifer

Johannes Wohnseifer

Film and video, 102 min.
After-party with music by Thomas Schaeben
As part of the Oldenburger Kultursommer
On the occasion of the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Hockenheimring/Germany
Johannes Wohnseifer will show "Le Mans" (1970), " Two Lane Blacktop" (1971) and his own video "Autobahnrennen" (2001) simultaneously and next to each other. This produces a backdrop of images and sounds for a light evening on the occasion of the Formula 1 German Grand Prix - Hockenheimring.

Autobahnrennen" (2001), Video (102 Min.)
A perfect example of the sporting event as a media event is the Formula 1 race. Clips of circling cars, racing statistics, and the drivers going head to head as battle stars come together into an international television drama. A fascination with racing culture was also particularly present in cult films from the 1970s such as "Le Mans" with Steve McQueen and "Two Lane Blacktop". Both films have a very different feeling, but each presentats the lives of those who live to the tact of the machine. Johannes Wohnseifer willl show these two films and add his own video "Autobahnrennen" to create a trio for his work "I'm Beginning to See the Light".

With "Autobahnrennen", the artist unites the atmosphere of both cinematic films: When he drives his Porsche from Frankfurt to Cologne at high speed he links Porsche's legendary racing speeds and the feeling of freedom associated with American Road Movies.

"Le Mans" is a cross between a Hollywood movie and an almost documentary-style film that follows the legendary 24 hour race of the same name. The actor Steve McQueen, whose racing hobby added to his image as an actor, shares the foreground with the race itsef. There is almost no dialogue in "Le Mans". Instead, the audience must piece together a story through flashbacks and sober shots of the racing world.

"Two Lane Blacktop" puts the spotlight on the American street as an experience. Warren Oates and Laurie Bird take the screen along with personalities from the music scene such as James Taylor, a folk singer from the politically turbulent 60s and 70s. Dennis Wilson (Beach Boys drummer) and his cult-status brings an added dimension to the film.

After the films (around midnight) the Cologne DJ Thomas Schaeben provide the sound for an easy summer evening with music and cocktails.