Silke Schönfeld‘s cinematographic works range between documentary and fiction to varying degrees. In her work personal stories are intertwined with historical and social structures. While she follows her protagonists she documents memories, rituals, ideologies, and processes of identity formation. And yet her films are not documentaries: they do not claim to offer a detailed portrayal or a complete recording of events. She focuses on social phenomena and structures shaped by communities. Her camera is persistent. The shots are long, depicting interiors and landscapes as though they were still lifes. In the process of shooting she dives into a specific context where she confronts herself with her own biases utilizes ambiguities and questions the authenticity of moving images. As a participatory observer she brings people into focus, be it individual protagonists or social groups. She intently observes social structures, codes, and personal stories, yet without passing judgement.
