Gift

A live score by Eiko Ishibashi X film by Ryūsuke Hamaguchi

00:00

Ticketing closed

Gift is both a live performance and film created in parallel to Hamaguchi’s recent feature film Evil Does Not Exist – with both works using the same footage and scenario, yet applying a different approach. While Evil Does Not Exist was created as a classic feature film for cinematic release and won the Silver Lion at last year’s Venice International Film Festival, the companion piece Gift was crafted as a separate silent film meant for live soundtrack performance by Ishibashi.

Written and directed by Ryūsuke Hamaguchi, Gift is set in Mizubiki Village in Nagano, a town located on a plateau rich in nature not so far from Tokyo. Takumi and his daughter Hana, who have lived there for generations, lead a modest life, following the cycle of nature. Their small community is increasingly challenged by a steady flow of new arrivals. One day, a plan is hatched by an entertainment agency to build a glamping site near Takumi’s house. The discovery that they intend to discharge sewage into the village water source causes unrest in the village, disrupting the community’s calm way of life. A counterpart to Evil Does Not Exist, Gift offers an alternative perspective on disharmony and inevitable imbalances in man’s relationship to nature by using the same material and story, but creating a distinct, emotionally charged experience enhanced through Ishibashi’s live performance.

• Evil Does Not Exist, by Eiko Ishibashi

• Evil Does Not Exist, by Eiko Ishibashi

Eiko Ishibashi has been fusing styles and genres for over a decade now, from chamber pop and musique concrète to jazz improv, prog, and noise. She has collaborated with international artists such as Jim O’Rourke, Keiji Haino, Charlemagne Palestine, Merzbow, Giovanni Di Domenico, Phew, and many others. In 2016, she made her debut as a film composer with the score for Albino’s Tree, before going on to write the music for Ryûsuke Hamaguchi’s Oscar-winning film Drive My Car in 2021.

Ryūsuke Hamaguchi, an alumnus of the Graduate School of Film and New Media at the Tokyo University of Arts, started to garner international recognition with his 2008 graduate film Passion at film festivals both in Japan and abroad. His feature film Happy Hour (2015) was honoured with multiple awards at international festivals. His film Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy (2021) won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the Berlinale. Drive My Car (2021) also received widespread recognition, including the award for Best Screenplay at the 74th Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. His lates feature film Evil Does Not Exist (2023) won the Silver Lion at the Venice International Film Festival.

Event Access

Youth 16–18 years of age can join events that end before midnight, unaccompanied by an adult. Under 16s are only allowed entry when accompanied by a legal guardian.

Persons taking public transit may check the current status of elevators at the subway stops nearest each venue, via the BVG (both in German and English).

HAU1 is not fully wheelchair accessible. Access to the stalls is possible through a separate entrance with a lift. There are two designated handicapped parking spaces in front of the building.There are sanitary facilities for people with disabilities. The door is not automatic. The bar is located on the first floor and is only accessible via stairs. Access to the box office is only possible via four stairs from the outside and three stairs without handrails from the inside. The evening staff can assist you in collecting your ticket if you use the separate entrance with lift. Please speak to them for assistance. Tickets for wheelchair users and accompanying persons can be booked via the ticketing system.

If you have further questions about event and venue accessibility, or to help plan your visit, please write to HAU staff at barrierefreiheit(at)hebbel-am-ufer.de and tickets(at)hebbel-am-ufer.de.