Jaana Kokko (2010):
The Reading Circle (Introduction to What is Political)

The Reading Circle is an experimental film about the pleasure of collective reading.

This film is inspired by Hannah Arendt's thinking. I hosted a Hannah Arendt Reading Circle at my home in Katajanokka, Helsinki in the autumn 2006.

Four women meet in a private apartment in Helsinki to discuss the meaning they attach to the term "political". Through this intellectual discussion based on Hannah Arendt’s thinking, and the monologues each of the women, they define the image of a political individual and a political woman: What does ‘political’ mean? How to define ‘womanly political’? Is it possible to attain a revolutionism that transcends generations and redefine ‘political’?

In the work speech is divided into different forms: reading out loud, simultaneous reading, Brechtian dialogue and monologue. These forms of speech include public and individual, even intimate language. A language that defines the work to a large extent both visually and auditively is the sign language.Although the work is characterized by a pluralistic discussion, the emphasis of the work lies on its visual and auditive aspects instead of narration.

Cast:
Janina Berman, Amira Khalifa, Netta Keski-Levijoki, Alina Kulo ja Annikki Yrjänäinen

Cinematography and color correction: Martin Jäger

Sound mixing and editing. Samy Kramer

Music: Rene Kita & Reflesch & Dontforgetyourhistory

Lighting: Eero Lämsä

Costumes: Outi Vuoriranta, Jaana Kokko

Translation: Elina Mikkilä

Interpreters: Alina Kulo, Pirjo Falk

Script, directing, editing, production: Jaana Kokko

Ama el cisne Salvaje - Rakasta Villijoutsenta.
A Poem by Luis Rogelius Nogueras
Translation Annikki Yrjänäinen

Photograpsh of Mrs. Arendt: Courtesy of the Hannah Arendt Bluecher Literary Trust

Thanks to: Hannah Arendt, Pauliina Feodoroff, Aira ja Marko Timlin, Janne Virkkunen, Pekka Koivikko, Katajanokan Jäänsärkijät ry, Q-teatteri Esa Kylmälä

Production grants:
Arts Council of Finland, Media Art
AVEK - The Promotion Centre for Audiovisual Culture, Milla Moilanen
AVEK - The Promotion Centre for Audiovisual Culture, Heidi Tikka

© Jaana Kokko 2010