"Stephan Holl discusses Rapid Eye Movies' role in uncovering filmmaking gems and proclaims his admiration for these unearthed masterpieces"
Rapid Eye Movies (REM), a Berlin-based film company, was founded in the mid-1990s with a passion for Asian cinema and a mission to bring a wide variety of films to Germany. This pioneering company, run by Stephan Holl, Antoinette Köster, and a small, dedicated team, made its mark in the film industry with its first release, the acclaimed Japanese animation Ghost in the Shell (D. Mamoru Oshii, 1995).
REM has since become known for discovering first-time films and promoting esoteric and eccentric cinema worldwide. They have contributed to the popularity of Asian cinema in Europe, introducing renowned directors like Takeshi Kitano and Park Chan-wook to European audiences. The company's portfolio also includes a focus on Indian cinema, helping to bring it to the forefront of European film culture.
REM's commitment to challenging and auteur cinema is evident in their collaborations with international festivals and like-minded distributors. They have embraced traditional film techniques such as AI-assisted hand-painted film stock to offer distinctive film presentations in a digital age. Some of the titles they have distributed or co-produced include films by Chinese director Jia Zhangke and Indian filmmaker Paresh Rawal’s drama Light as Light.
Looking to the future, Rapid Eye Movies plans to expand its sales arm by acquiring third-party productions, in addition to continuing its own producing and distributing efforts. They aim to present hand-picked films to European markets, maintaining their niche in championing cinematic gems that might otherwise remain unseen.
REM's commitment to both restoration and new productions suggests ongoing involvement in preserving cinema history while supporting innovative filmmaking. They are currently working on in-house restorations of underground, overlooked German films from the 1970s and 80s, with a focus on gay filmmakers from the 80s.
In 2010, REM produced its first film, a pink film from Japan. They have also collaborated with Berlin-based pop duo Stereo Total on soundtracks for their productions. A new silent film with Kevin, Lilith Stangenberg, and music from the Kontra-Kino Orchestra is premiering in summer 2024.
Rapid Eye Movies has earned praise from notable figures in the industry. Tilda Swinton has stated, "There is no such thing as an old film" because if you don't know the film, it's new to you. Christopher Doyle, known for being the regular cinematographer for Wong Kar-wai, collaborated on Rapid Eye's first produced film.
REM aims to establish a trusting relationship with its audience, sharing what they love and building a sense of trust beyond films. They believe in the power of cinema to bring people together and to inspire, and they strive to share that passion with their audiences.
For more information about Rapid Eye Movies, visit their website.
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