The concept of metaphysics examined though a selection of films

Pera Film presents its new program "Not in This Life! Metaphysics and Cinema," which will be screened in parallel with Pera Museum's exhibition "Giorgio de Chirico: The Enigma of the World." The film selection explores the relationship between the cinematic and philosophical, the fundamental nature of being and the world that encompasses it. As part of the program, Richard Linklater's animated film "Waking Life" will be screened on May 8 at Pera Museum. "Waking Life," a live-action rotoscoped film, was shot using digital video and then a team of artists using computers drew stylized lines and colors over each frame. The film focuses on the nature of dreams and consciousness. The film's title is a reference to philosopher George Santayana's maxim: "Sanity is madness put to good uses; waking life is a dream controlled." An unnamed young man is in a persistent, lucid dream-like state. He initially observes and later participates in philosophical discussions of issues such as reality, freewill, the relationship of the subject with others and the meaning of life. The film also touches on other topics, including existentialism, situationist politics, post-humanity, the film theory of André Bazinand lucid dreaming itself.

When: May 8

Where: Pera Museum