Almost one year ago, the world lost one of its most creative and visionary minds when Swiss surreal artist H.R. Giger passed away. Giger was known in the horror community for his incredible artwork and his work on films such as Alien and Species. His presence was also felt strongly in the music community with his artwork used by bands such as Triptykon, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Korn, whose vocalist Jonathan Davis commissioned a one-of-a-kind mic stand sculpted by Giger, and Debbie Harry (for whom a never-before-seen documentary will premiere).
On May 22nd and 23rd, the Museum of Art & Design in New York City will be holding the “H.R. Giger Film Festival”, which will showcase rare and in some cases, never before screened anywhere, documentaries and short films. This event is part of the MAD cinema series, as well as a chapter in the ongoing HR Giger Film Festival.
Some more information, direct from the press release:
Marking the one-year anniversary of his passing, the Museum of Arts and Design presents The Unseen Cinema of HR Giger. Partnering with the HR Giger Museum and the HR Giger Documentary Film Festival, this weekend-long event presents rare and never before seen films made by and about HR Giger.
Opening up Giger’s personal archive for the first time, these films reveal the behind-the-scenes practice of this singular artist. The Unseen Cinema of HR Giger gives a rare glimpse into the personality, process, and vision of his indelible impact.
The first evening of screenings will be introduced by Debbie Harry and Chris Stein.
I was contacted by the festival’s curator, Zev Deans, who also dropped this amazing piece of information:
The real gem is a 45 minute arthouse sci-fi called “Swissmade”, made in 1969, that features Giger’s first use of prosthetic costume in a film. It has only been screened twice, only in Switzerland. This festival will be its American debut.
There will be three programs during this event:
“The Collaborations of H.R. Giger” – More information
“Inside H.R. Giger’s Sanctuaries” – More information
“Behind the Scenes of H.R. Giger’s Studio” – More information
Tickets for the event can be purchased here. Also make sure to take a few minutes to browse the website for the H.R. Giger museum.
