ROBERT DE NIRO AND STREET ARTIST JR MAKE THE SHORT FILM ELLIS TOGETHER
When Street Artist JR and Robert de Niro get together with musician Woodkid for a joint project, only something good can come out of it: For example, a short film worth seeing. In “Ellis” the unbeatable trio tells the story of a migrant who tries his luck in America.
VISIT TO ELLIS ISLAND
The film is named after Ellis Island, which was considered the gateway to America in the first half of the 20th century. For more than twelve million people, the place was their first encounter with the promised land, which they entered full of hope that they would soon be able to call home. Directed by JR, who has caused a sensation worldwide with impressive murals, Ellis tells the story of such a migrant in captivatingly clear, highly aesthetic black and white imagery. The migrant is played, and it goes without saying that he is convincing in this, by film legend Robert de Niro, who fascinates us from the very first sentence in which he tells of his memories of his arrival in America.
THE ABANDONED HOSPITAL COMPLEX STILL RADIATES FEAR AND HOPE
At de Niro’s side we roam the crumbling halls of the abandoned hospital complex of Ellis Island, which today houses JR’s art installation “Unframed”, and get to know a place that still radiates the hopes and fears of those who once walked through it. The appropriate musical background for “Ellis” was provided by the French musician Woodkid, who is known for his opulent music videos, which he directs himself, and his sound carpets carried by pathos – and who strikes unusually delicate tones in this collaboration.
At de Niro’s side we roam the crumbling halls of the abandoned hospital complex of Ellis Island, which today houses JR’s art installation “Unframed”, and get to know a place that still radiates the hopes and fears of those who once walked through it. Incidentally, the appropriate musical background for “Ellis” was provided by the French musician Woodkid, who is known for his opulent music videos, which he directs himself, and his sound carpets carried by pathos – and who strikes unusually delicate tones in this collaboration.
In view of the current debate on refugees, Ellis reminds us, among other things, that the people of Europe once depended on being accepted after fleeing and crossing the ocean. One more reason to take a look at “Ellis” as soon as possible.
The proceeds that “Ellis” will bring in after its release will go to the non-profit Sea Watch Initiative, whose goal is to protect and rescue civilian refugees.
Credits: National Archives, U.S.A., and the Library of Congress, Ellis Island, U.S.A,