For this year, UNESCO, along with the German Embassy in Kathmandu, is organizing World Day for Audiovisual Heritage by screening Metropolis on October 17 inside the courtyard of Patan Museum.[break]
The pre-screening of “Metropolis,” a 1927 German sci-fi film by the German filmmaker Fritz Lang took place at Moksh Restaurant in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur, on October 12.
“Every year, we take the initiative of celebrating World Day for Audiovisual Heritage in order to bring awareness among the people regarding the importance of audio and visual heritage. This time, in order to use the visual as a tool to raise awareness, we’re screening the movie,” said Goma Sharma of the Communication and Information Unit of UNESCO.
Metropolis was one of the biggest film events of the 20th century. Made at a time of hyperinflation in Germany, and set in a futuristic urban dystopia, the movie explores the sharp division between two classes – the workers and the planners.
The film has been called the most iconic silent picture of its day because of its visual ambition and virtuosity. It is the most expensive silent film ever made, and it has influenced contemporary films like Blade Runner and Star Wars.
Sharma further added that the event is organized to raise public awareness of audiovisual documents as integral components of national identity, and to make efforts for their protection.
The Day is observed around the world through activities that bring images and sounds to life, and thus prevent them from fading beyond recovery.
The open-air screening at the Patan Museum is open to all and free of charge. It will start at 6 pm.
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