How far can the mind see?
Short films, experimental music and avant garde thinking take control of the programming at the upcoming KLEX 2018.
The Kuala Lumpur experimental Film, Video and Music Festival 2018 (KLeX), themed Translucence, returns this Nov 22-25 with even more international participation in its four-day run at Raw Art Space and Checkmate Creative in Kuala Lumpur, and Live Fact in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
This independent festival of experimental cinema and music, supported by the GoetheInstitut Malaysia, is now in its ninth edition.
experimental music is big on KLeX’s list this year, especially with Japanese psychrock titans Acid Mothers Temple and the Melting Paraiso U.F.O. set to play a show at Live Fact on Nov 24.
“We are excited to be partnering with Live Fact, the local indie live house, to host Acid Mothers Temple and The Melting Paraiso U.F.O. That’s not all. We also have jazz/improv trio Game of Patience (Malaysia/Australia/US) and Malaysian indie band BOhR on board. With a total of 37 local and international musicians, this is the largest number of performers we have ever had at KLeX. From our usual three nights of performances, we had to add a fourth night this year!” says Kok Siew Wai, KLeX fesival director.
She shares that KLeX has somehow made a name for itself in the international experimental and improvised film and music scene, as a “fun little DIY festival with quality”.
“There are foreign musicians in South-east Asia who are interested in checking out the scene in KL, and we have had enquiries from some established european musicians who are keen to join the festival next year,” she adds.
The film programmes have also received recognition internationally.
This year, KLeX programmes have shown in Taiwan three times, including the Kaohsiung Film Festival in October. Who should come to KLeX?
“My answer is always the same. Anyone with a curious and open heart and mind. It will be a nurturing experience for your soul!” says Kok.
Fifty four experimental shorts will be screened at this year’s KLeX open programme. They have been selected from almost 200 submissions from all over the world.
Thai media artist Wuttin Chansataboot will also present a mini video installation work titled The Alchemy #01: A Yellow Ellipse In A Red Square, which explores how digital media and other means of mass communication could give rise to a new perception of reality.
he will be giving a talk on his merging of art and technology at Checkmate Creative.
Other artist talks at the venue will be by Franchesca Casauay and Joee Mejias, the co-founders of heresy, which is a female-curated media art platform in Manila.
As for the international guest programmes, there will be three presentations this time: Short export from Germany, Unrhymed Couplets from the Philippines and Contingencies Of Now from Singapore.
Artist talks are free. Donations/tickets apply for video screenings and music performances.
For more information, visit: www.klexfilmfest. com. FB: Klex Fest.