Chantal Akerman: Volume 1 on Blu-ray out Feb 24 from BFI

Chantal Akerman: Volume 1 from BFI is set for release on February 24, marking a notable addition to film collections and an enlightening experience for cinephiles worldwide. This limited edition Blu-ray set assembles 14 seminal films from the acclaimed director's oeuvre, spanning from 1967 to 1978, capturing her transformative years in cinema. Akerman, whose work has resonated deeply across generations, continues to inspire filmmakers with her radical and non-conformist approach.

Chantal Akerman's influence is showcased beautifully in this release, which features her boundary-pushing narratives and cinematic style. The selection of films includes her renowned work, Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles, which achieved the top spot in Sight and Sound's Greatest Films of All Time Poll in 2022. The set traces her influential career from student films right through potent feature-length masterpieces.

The films have undergone meticulous restoration by CINEMATEK and L'Immagine Ritrovata, Bologna, ensuring superior quality and preserving the authenticity of Akerman's original vision. This collection offers viewers a chance to engage with the cinematic storytelling and stylistic innovations of Akerman's filmography.

Release Contents:

• INSAS Entrance exam films x 4: Films from Akerman’s early years (1967)
• Saute ma ville: A critical early short film (1968)
• L’Enfant aime ou Je joue à être une Femme Mariée: Reflective work on identity (1971)
• Hôtel Monterey, La Chambre, Hanging Out Yonkers, Le 15/8: Early narrative experimentation (1972-1973)
• Je tu il elle, Jeanne Dielman: Landmark films exploring themes of female agency (1974-1975)
• News from Home, Les Rendez-vous d’Anna: Masterful explorations of personal and universal themes (1976-1978)

Release Date: 24/02/2025

This expansive box set from the British Film Institute not only preserves the legacy of Chantal Akerman but offers new audiences a glimpse into her profound contributions to the art of cinema. It's a significant cultural archive capturing the ingenuity of one of cinema's most influential figures.