Standing on the shoulders of giants

Arena besetzt (1977)

Documentary, Q&A w/ Franz Grafl, Josef Aichholzer, Isabella Farkasch, Christine König, Julia Schafferhofer; Filmcasino Wien, Austria 20260817

‚Why are you here?‘, an elderly couple asks at the entrance of Filmcasino this evening. Because in 1976, an idea turned into a movement. What the protagonists accomplished back then, is where still everyone can come together in community – ‚so you are the new generation‘, they answer themselves. 

This achievement, the foundation of the Arena Wien is legendary and told from ear to ear. Some months after a group occupied the former slaughterhouse, a small team put together a historical document: „Arena besetzt“ tells about the happenings, the atmosphere, the people behind the saga. 

After previews like „Oasis: Don’t Look Back In Anger“, the evening at Filmcasino starts with the supporting film „Arena“ by Ernst Schmidt. Six silent minutes, the whole room watches closely, laughing about some shown graffiti. The main film features a lot of music, like the hymn by Martin Auer, known from ORF reports. 

Willi Resetarits read out the four demands, Kurt Winterstein, Ambros and Danzer performed: ‚Die Leit kommen wenn’s Oasch is.‘ So „Arena besetzt“ partly is a concert film. But the movement was more, including a women’s and kid’s house. Structured with text inserts, the documentary also tells about disagreements within the community but especially with the city, media and executive. 

The discussions with the politicians are underlined with a returning painting, showing the businessman behind the representatives and the occupants on the other side. The movie does not romanticize, but tells the hard way to the compromise, that led to a smaller area – nowadays Arena. 

Organized in working groups, the video-team behind „Arena besetzt“ included Ruth Beckermann, Franz Grafl and Josef Aichholzer. Part of the team and contemporary witnesses like Christine König answer questions after. ‚I wanted to make a change‘, Isabella Farkasch points out. Like the community fighting for St. Marx für alle, Nein zur Halle! 

So in the end, there is only one think left to say: thank you. Thank all of you for the efforts and the possibility, so everyone can visit the Arena since 50 years, and this blog alone conducted over 150 visits up to date.