DIRECTORS Larissa Sansour and Søren Lind DURATION 28 minutes

GENRE Arabic sci-fi/art film

LOGLINE In an underground compound built in the aftermath of an eco-disaster, two scientists discuss the effects of memory, trauma, exile and nostalgia.

SYNOPSIS In Vitro is a 2-channel Arabic-language sci-fi short filmed in black and white. It is set in the aftermath of an eco-disaster. An abandoned nuclear reactor under the biblical town of Bethlehem has been converted into an enormous orchard. Using heirloom seeds collected in the final days before the apocalypse, a group of scientists are preparing to replant the soil above. In the hospital wing of the underground compound, the orchard’s ailing founder, 70-year-old Alia, played by Hiam Abbass, is lying in her deathbed, as 30-year-old Alia, played by Maisa Abd Elhadi, comes to visit her. Alia is born underground as part of a comprehensive cloning program and has never seen the town she’s destined to rebuild.

The talk between the two scientists soon evolves into an intimate dialogue about memory, exile and nostalgia. Central to their discussion is the intricate relationship between past, present and future, with the Bethlehem setting providing a narratively, politically and symbolically charged backdrop.

DIRECTORS’ BIO

Larissa Sansour (1st picture below) is a Palestinian artist/director. Central to her work is the tug and pull between fiction and reality. In her recent works, she uses science fiction to address social and political issues. Working mainly with film, Sansour also produces installations, photos and sculptures. Sansour’s work is shown in film festivals and museums worldwide. In 2019, she represents Denmark at the 58th Venice Biennial. She has shown her work at Tate Modern, MoMA, Centre Pompidou and the Istanbul Biennial as well as the Berlinale, Rotterdam International Film Festival and BFI London Film Festival. Recent solo exhibitions include Bluecoat in Liverpool, Dar El-Nimer in Beirut and Nikolaj Kunsthal in Copenhagen.

Filmography – director 2019 In Vitro, 28’, Spike Island/Odeh Films/CPH Visuals. 2016 In the Future They Ate From the Finest Porcelain, 30’, Film London/Spike Island/Redeye Film. 2012 Nation Estate, 9’ 04’’, sci-fi, Beofilm/Redeye Film. 2012 Feast of the Inhabitants, 15’, short film. 2011 Trespass the Salt, 10’, 3-screen experimental documentary, with Youmna Chlala. 2011 Falafel Road, 60’, experimental documentary, with Oreet Ashery. 2009 A Space Exodus, 5’ 24’’, sci-fi, Beofilm. 2008 SBARA, 8’30’’, short film. 2008 Run Lara Run, 2’, short film. 2007 Soup Over Bethlehem, 9’30’’, experimental documentary. 2006 Happy Days, 2’ 30’’, short film. 2005 Bethlehem Bandolero, 5’ 12’’, short film.

Soren Lind

Soren Lind (b. 1970) is a Danish author, artist, director and scriptwriter. With a background in philosophy, Lind wrote books on mind, language and understanding before turning to art, film and fiction. He has published novels, shorts story collections and several children’s books. Lind screens and exhibits his films at museums, galleries and film festivals worldwide. His work was shown at the Danish Pavilion at the 58th Venice Biennial. Other recent venues and festivals include Copenhagen Contemporary (DK), MoMA (US), Barbican (UK), Nikolaj Kunsthal (DK), Berlinale (D), International Film Festival Rotterdam (NL) and BFI London Film Festival (UK). He lives and works in London.

Filmography – director 2019 In Vitro, 28’, Spike Island/Odeh Films/CPH Visuals. 2016 In the Future They Ate From the Finest Porcelain, 30’, Film London/Spike Island/Redeye Film. Filmography – script 2019 In Vitro, 28’, Spike Island/Odeh Films/CPH Visuals. 2016 In the Future They Ate From the Finest Porcelain, 30’, Film London/Spike Island/Redeye Film. 2012 Nation Estate, 9’ 04’’, sci-fi, Beofilm/Redeye Film. 2012 Feast of the Inhabitants, 15’, short film. 2009 A Space Exodus, 5’ 24’’, sci-fi, Beofilm. 2007 Burnt by the Sun, 30’, children’s film, directed by Thomas Østgaard, Beofilm.

PRODUCTION COMPANY Spike Island 133 Cumberland Road Bristol BS1 6UX United Kingdom Contact: Ali Roche, ali.roche@spikeisland.org.uk