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James Benning @ SMAK

Discover the FFG2025 programme

From premieres to classics: see everything Film Fest Gent has to offer.
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Edition 2025
On the Edge Masters
FFG and S.M.A.K. highlight versatile cinematic practices with strong artistic qualities in their partner programmes. This year, the collaboration focuses on the work of the influential American experimental filmmaker James Benning (°1942, Milwaukee, WI). During the festival, you can watch three films by Benning for free at S.M.A.K.
08
Wednesday October
09:30 SMAK
09
Thursday October
09:30 SMAK
10
Friday October
09:30 SMAK
11
Saturday October
10:00 SMAK
12
Sunday October
10:00 SMAK
14
Tuesday October
09:30 SMAK
15
Wednesday October
09:30 SMAK
16
Thursday October
09:30 SMAK
17
Friday October
09:30 SMAK
18
Saturday October
10:00 SMAK
19
Sunday October
10:00 SMAK

S.M.A.K. has selected three films from Benning’s extensive body of work in which American landscapes serve as a starting point for visual, time-based experiences and political reflection. In American Dreams (Lost and Found) (1984), Benning interweaves images of the American Dream with personal stories. In the two versions of The United States of America - remarkable time capsules from 1975 and 2002 - he presents characteristic sites that exist both in the imagination and as places documented through image and sound.

The three films will be screened free of charge at S.M.A.K. from 8 through 19 October:

Wednesday 8 until Saturday 11 October 2025:
American Dreams (Lost and Found) (1984, 55’)

Sunday 12 until Thursday 16 October 2025:
The United States of America (1975, 27’)

Friday 17 until Sunday 19 October 2025:
The United States of America (2022, 98’)

More info:

https://smak.be/en/exhibitions/film-fest-gent-james-benning