"You're white, I'm black. I come from Africa, a country that is nothing. Africa has great resources, but we have given everything to Europe. Did you know that?" Kader and actor Emelie Jonsson, standing on the street outside bar Modern in Marseille. He is drunk and upset, and full of truths that are difficult to hear. L'Europe Moderne is based on the access and freedom of movement one possesses as white Scandinavian middle class.
DIRECTOR’S COMMENT
L'Europe Modern is a film about post-colonial decay, questioning the European self-image of being a little better and with the right to exploit others.
The film's protagonist is a woman, the place is Marseille. Woman because it is me and because she clarifies the patriarchal power structures that the European idea of democracy is based on. Marseille because it is a place where Europe meets Africa.
I tried to create a "we" with actor Emelie Jonsson and directors Marta Dauliūtė and Elisabeth Marjanović Cronvall. We have been in Marseille twice in the spring of 2012. I wanted to expose ourselves to the place. After the first trip it became clear how we exposed the site by our presence. Four white academics girls around their 30s with an intrusive gaze at their surroundings.
Director and producer: Maja Kekonius
In Collaboration with: Marta Dauliūtė, Emelie Jonsson, Elisabeth Marjanović Cronvall
Creative producer: Marta Dauliūtė
Featuring: Emelie Jonsson
DOP: Elisabeth Marjanović Cronvall and Maja Kekonius
Editing: Maja Kekonius
Sound Design: Erik Löderstedt and Jan Alvermark
Graphic design: Lucas Facchin
Grading: Jonas Eskilsson
PRODUCTION NOTES
Country of production: Sweden
Produced by: Maja Kekonius
Co-produced by: MDEMC
Language: French, Spanish
Genre: documentary
Length: 13 min
Filming location: Marseille, France
PRODUCED WITH SUPPORT BY
The Swedish Film Institute
The Swedish Arts Grants Committee
Co-produced by Filmpool Nord, and Film i Väst