This Desirable Device

Treating language as a device of meaning, the film deals with the transposable power inherent in language itself—the value that derives from the device, rather than from the meaning.
Given the opportunity to work with alluring and costly 16mm film stock within a restrictive political climate, a filmmaker reflects on the transactions made in the process of immigrating to Germany. What does one have to give up to be able to live in the “promised land”?
By conceiving analogue film itself as a linguistic device, the film turns back on its own means of communication, questioning the use of film stock in current times.

Mina Simendić was born in Belgrade, Serbia. She is a filmmaker, editor and media artist working primarily in experimental and expanded film and theatre. She is currently pursuing a BA in film at HfbK and lives and works in Hamburg, Germany. Her debut experimental documentary short film Walks That Won’t Happen premiered at Cinéma du Réel 2024.

Director Mina Simendić. Screenplay Mina Simendić. Cinematography Mina Simendić. Editing Mina Simendić. Sound Design Mina Simendić. Production Design Mina Simendić. Producer Mina Simendić. Executive Producer Mina Simendić. Production company Mina Simendić (Belgrad, Serbia). With Mina Simendić.

Films: 2024: Šetnje koje se neće desiti / Walks That Won't Happen. 2026: This Desirable Device.