Sand und Blut
Matthias Krepp, Angelika Spangel
Sand und Blut (Sand and Blood) looks back at recent history in Iraq and Syria, from the point of view of those who emigrated to Europe in recent years. Whether it is because their village was taken over by troops of the Syrian army, crimes committed by various rebel groups or the destruction of their houses, war refugees can follow what is happening in real time thanks to videos on internet. Sand und Blut is made up exclusively of these videos film by militants, fighters and civilians. The protagonists comment on the images and often share their experiences.
Matthias Krepp, was born 1987 and is an Austrian film student and director. He studied Comparative Literature and History. In 2012 he was accepted into the directing class of Michael Haneke at the Vienna Film Academy. During his studies he directed several short films in collaboration with Angelika Spangel and Magdalena Gruber. Sand and Blood is his first feature length documentary film.
Angelika Spangel was born 1987 and is an Austrian cinematography student. She studied Educational Sciences and received her degree in 2012. Since 2013 she has studied cinematography in the class of Wolfgang Thaler at the Vienna Film Academy. She has worked on several short films with Matthias Krepp and Magdalena Gruber.
“During the research period a new aspect emerged, which shaped the general aesthetics of the film: social media and the easy access to recording technology allow refugees to follow actions and crimes happening in their countries in real time, whether it is the Syrian army reconquering their villages, rebels, peaceful protesters, or ISIS. The people we met started to substantiate their statements, positions and stories by showing us video or photographic material. It felt just natural to integrate this aspect into the film. Consequently, this formal approach offers a new perspective on this heavily discussed topic and gives the audience the opportunity to step back, reflect and ask questions which go beyond newspaper headlines and daily politics. I have always been drawn towards films or works of literature that moved me, emotionally and intellectually. Films that try to superficially affect me or push me in a certain direction do nothing for me. That is why I have never wanted to make an educational film, forcing an opinion onto my audience (…). I consider Sand and Blood more as a painting or a poem than a political film”.
Angelika Spangel was born 1987 and is an Austrian cinematography student. She studied Educational Sciences and received her degree in 2012. Since 2013 she has studied cinematography in the class of Wolfgang Thaler at the Vienna Film Academy. She has worked on several short films with Matthias Krepp and Magdalena Gruber.
“During the research period a new aspect emerged, which shaped the general aesthetics of the film: social media and the easy access to recording technology allow refugees to follow actions and crimes happening in their countries in real time, whether it is the Syrian army reconquering their villages, rebels, peaceful protesters, or ISIS. The people we met started to substantiate their statements, positions and stories by showing us video or photographic material. It felt just natural to integrate this aspect into the film. Consequently, this formal approach offers a new perspective on this heavily discussed topic and gives the audience the opportunity to step back, reflect and ask questions which go beyond newspaper headlines and daily politics. I have always been drawn towards films or works of literature that moved me, emotionally and intellectually. Films that try to superficially affect me or push me in a certain direction do nothing for me. That is why I have never wanted to make an educational film, forcing an opinion onto my audience (…). I consider Sand and Blood more as a painting or a poem than a political film”.