Screening: 7 p.m.
Conceiving Ada, 1997
Written/Directed by Lynn Hershman Leeson
Produced by Lynn Hershman Leeson and Henry Rosenthal
Cinematography by Hiro Narita
Starring Tilda Swinton, Francesca Faridany, Karen Black, Timothy Leary, Thomas Jay Ryan
85′, original version with English subtitles
In this award-winning film, which was the first to use “virtual sets”, Tilda Swinton embodies Lady Ada Lovelace, daughter of Romantic poet Lord Byron, and the mathematics genius who developed what became the world’s first computer language, 100 years before computers were invented. Ada’s story is channeled through Emmy (Francesca Faridany), a contemporary computer scientist researching artificial life. By using her own DNA genetic code, Emmy collapses time and is able to communicate directly with Ada. Realizing how parallel their lives are, she embarks on the task of „saving“ Ada. In the process, the borders between past and present, virtual and real, blur, and Ada and Emmy both recognize the implications of their place in time.
With an introduction by Anna-Alexandra Pfau, Director of Collections, Julia Stoschek Foundation.
JSF Düsseldorf
Schanzenstrasse 54, 40549 Düsseldorf
In conjunction with the exhibition LYNN HERSHMAN LEESON: ARE OUR EYES TARGETS?, the Julia Stoschek Foundation presents a screening program of feature films and documentaries by renowned media art pioneer Lynn Hershman Leeson.
In parallel, the exhibitions at JSF Düsseldorf will be open 6–10 p.m. Drinks and snacks in the garden. Free admission.