THE FILM INSTALLATION FELICITY OF A RICE GRAIN IS SELECTED FOR THE EXHIBITION BIG ART 2023
FELICITY OF A RICE GRAIN (Netherlands) QUARTER FINALIST 2023
Margreet Kramer
In the rich tapestry of global cinema, it is the finely threaded, minutely detailed pieces that often stand out with luminescence. Such is the magic of Margreet Kramer's FELICITY OF A RICE GRAIN, an ode to the universality of human emotions and the nuances of the everyday. In its 73-second runtime, this film accomplishes what epics seldom dare to touch: the profundity of the mundane.
Kramer's genius lies in her ability to elevate the act of throwing rice — an emblem of love, happiness, and continuity in various cultures — into an expansive tableau of raw human emotion. This film, reminiscent of the carefully choreographed works of Tarkovsky or the raw intimacy of Cassavetes, leads viewers on a contemplative journey, inviting us to luxuriate in every frame.
Drawing upon the Freudian realms of psychoanalysis, one is reminded of the inherent duality of human actions. The rice, thrown in slow motion, becomes not just a symbol of celebration but a contemplation of life itself. Each grain, much like individual moments, might seem insignificant on its own. Yet, when taken together, they form the mosaic of our existence — a blend of fleeting joys, ephemeral pains, and the ceaseless march of time.
Perhaps, what is most intriguing about this short is Kramer's bold decision to showcase the "body in its actuality." Much like Yasujirō Ozu's love for 'pillow shots', Kramer lingers on the beauty of human form, celebrating it in all its rawness and vulnerability. By eschewing the artifice of glamour, the film recalls the works of Agnès Varda or Chantal Akerman, where the body becomes a canvas of experiences, memories, and silent stories.
Furthermore, the emphasis on repetition in daily activities is a masterstroke. Here, Kramer channels the ethos of films like Groundhog Day or Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles, highlighting the cyclical nature of existence. This repetition, rather than being mundane, becomes meditative, making us reflect upon the sanctity of routines and the hidden meanings they carry.
Drawing from her rich academic background and love for art history, Kramer crafts an experimental masterpiece that transcends traditional narratives. Her quadruple role as director, writer, producer, and key cast underlines her commitment to her vision, creating a seamless blend of intention and execution.
To classify FELICITY OF A RICE GRAIN as merely 'experimental' would be an understatement. It is a symphony of human emotion, compacted into a tight frame but expansive in its reach. In the age of mega-blockbusters, Kramer reminds us of the magic of cinema — the ability to touch souls in the briefest of moments. Just as a single grain of rice carries with it centuries of cultural significance, this 73-second wonder encapsulates the universe in its palm. A truly monumental achievement in the world of shorts. Grade A*
ADRIAN PEREZ
Founder & Festival Director
LONELY WOLF INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
#23LWIFF @lonelywolffest
London