Cate Blanchett, an Oscar® winner for her roles in The Aviator and Blue Jasmine, takes on 13 distinct characters in Manifesto—from a punk singer and housewife to a scientist and a homeless man. Each character delivers excerpts from the major manifestos of the last century, written by authors, philosophers, painters, dancers, directors, and architects. The texts include words from Karl Marx, Kazimir Malevich, Guillaume Apollinaire, Lars von Trier, and many others.
Known for his unique style, Julian Rosefeldt in Manifesto juxtaposes the radical ideas of the 20th century with the mundanities of contemporary life. By placing these ideas in often unexpected contexts, the director skillfully tests the relevance and power of past manifestos, revealing both their revolutionary potential and moments where they lose significance. Blanchett’s performances, exemplary of masterful acting, captivate audiences, guiding them through diverse landscapes—from industrial settings and cramped apartments to cold, sterile research institutes and the backstage of a punk concert. Each manifesto invites reflection, offering a fresh perspective on the world, awakening viewers from intellectual complacency. Not only does Manifesto attract attention due to Blanchett's virtuoso performance, but also thanks to Christoph Krauss’s cinematography, which perfectly accentuates the performative nature of Manifesto, provoking viewers to think deeply about art, politics, and everyday life.
As an art installation, Manifesto has been showcased in prestigious galleries worldwide, with Rosefeldt’s works included in major collections and museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Rosefeldt himself will inaugurate the Toruń exhibition along with Cate Blanchett, who will serve as the head of the Main Competition Jury at this year’s EnergaCAMERIMAGE Festival. Together with the exhibition's curator Marek Żydowicz, the creators will introduce audiences to the texts, which Rosefeldt does not present as undeniable truths; on the contrary, he places them in often absurd or grotesque situational and scenographic contexts.
The Manifesto exhibition also marks the return of the EnergaCAMERIMAGE Festival to the spaces of the Centre for Contemporary Art in Toruń after a one-year hiatus. The exhibition will run until January 17, 2025.