Preceded by Nocturne.

(Prigionieri della guerra). This haunting and beautiful film is comprised of footage shot during World War I from opposite sides of the conflict: Czarist Russia and the Austro-Hungarian empire. Gianikian and Ricci Lucchi focus on scenes of prisoners of war, civilian refugees, and orphans, much of this shot as military propaganda. Images of Russian prisoners working in Austrian prison camps disturbingly anticipate World War II Nazi work camps. Likewise, one of the last scenes depicting a mass grave is a troubling reminder that the beginning of the twentieth century does not look so different from its closing. As always, Gianikian and Ricci Lucchi tint the material with sensual colors from sepia to red, blue, and purple, and slow the footage to analyze and highlight such resonances. Comparing Prisoners of War to Resnais' Night and Fog, David Rooney notes in Variety that "the detachment and total absence of intrusive comment here make it equally eloquent and disturbing." Giovanna Marini's distinctive score draws on traditional Russian and Jewish songs.

(Music by Giovanna Marini.) (67 mins, Tinted, 16mm, From MoMA)

Nocturne (Yervant Gianikian, Angela Ricci Lucchi, 1997). Composed of fragments shot during trips to the former Yugoslavia-footage from Sarajevo (1995), from Belgrade (1996), and from Zagreb (early 1980s)-as well as footage shot after WWI which is incorporated as "an allegory of pain and violence." (18 mins, Silent, Color, Video, From the artists)