Directed by Les Blank | USA | 95 min

Les Blank was best known for his profiles of musicians when he took on the monumental task of documenting the making of Werner Herzog's equally monumental production Fitzcarraldo. The film itself was the story of an act of extreme obsession—the transportation of a steamship by land over the Andes Mountains. Herzog’s decision to replicate the feat in real life resulted in the production becoming a real-world mirror of the story’s depiction of the limits of mental and physical endurance. In documenting the production, Blank underwent his own trials as he attempted to make sense of the extreme personalities of Herzog and his star, the violent and unpredictable Klaus Kinski.

Written by Ben Rowe.

Part of our Eyes on Artist Series

---

In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge that this screening takes place on Moh’kinsstis and the traditional Treaty 7 territory, as well as the oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta District 6. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations, Indigenous and non, who live, work and play, as well as help steward this land, honour and celebrate this territory.