Deception Island
2017
Video installation on three-channel screen
(also available as a single-channel projection, for theater)
13’, loop






The Belgian Antarctic Expedition (1897-1899) marked a bold episode in the exploration of the white continent. Having successfully reached new territories and achieved several scientific breakthroughs, the RV Belgica ship found itself trapped in the ice for nearly thirteen months. During this forced wintering, the absence of light in the polar night provoked illness, depression, and even cases of dementia among the crew.

Deception Island is a multidisciplinary work combining performance, social practice, film, and installation that explores the invisible face of a myth of Belgian exploration and develops the narrative of a paradoxical non-journey. The exclusive use of tracking shots throughout the film immerses the viewer in a floating, hypnotic universe. Physical disorientation echoes a loss of existential bearings in a post-industrial world.













FESTIVALS

- Antarctica Pavillon, Venice Biennale, Venice
- Tendencies, Bozar, Brussels
- Racovitza festival, Vaslui county museum, Vaslui
- Arslan screening, UDK, Berlin
- Belgica festival, Havenhuis, Antwerp
- Pilotage, Galerie Triangle Bleu, Stavelot
- Rencontres Internationales Paris / Berlin, Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Berlin
- Rencontres Internationales Paris / Berlin, Louvre Museum, Paris
- Undeleted, Wiels, Brussels
- Narration.s, La vallée, Brussels
- Deception Island, Musée de la Photographie, Charleroi
- 25 ARTS SECONDE, Centre Wallonie-Bruxelles, Paris
- Cinéma Prospectif, Centre Pompidou, Paris
- 5th birthday screening, Blue screen, Brussels
- Champ libre Stéphanie Roland, Poelp, Brussels
- Archipels fantômes, île Nouvelle, Blaye



CREDITS

Production: Stéphanie Roland Studio

Cast: Fabien Magry, François Neycken, Baptiste Sornin,Jean-Benoît Ugeux
Director of Photography: Jorge Piquer Rodriguez
First Assistant Camera: Samuel Fleury
Gaffer: Cyril Dupont
Best boy: Angel Paredes
SFX: Pedro d’Agosto
Sound: Lionel Vinck
Voices: Rob Hayden, Fabien Magry
Special Thanks: De Steenschuit, Olivier de Schrevel and Charlotte Rolin

With the support of 
Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles.





Stéphanie Roland Studio