Arthur Ginsberg, filmmaker
Introduced by Rudolf Frieling, curator of media arts, SFMOMA
Arthur Ginsberg with Video Free America, 1970-75, 58 min., video
Image: Arthur Ginsberg with Video Free America, The Continuing Story of Carel and Ferd (still), 1970-75; photo: courtesy Electronic Arts Intermix (EAI), New York
A tribute to exhibitionism and experimental living, this fascinating televised reunion chronicles several years in the lives of Carel, a porn actress, and Ferd, a drug addict. Capturing the couple’s discussion of their sex life, wedding, and breakup, the camera becomes a participant in their relationship. Made decades before webcams and reality TV, Ginsberg’s “underground video documentary soap opera” raises questions about the nature of privacy and the phenomenon of broadcasting everyday life.