Filmmaker in Focus: JAN SOLDAT

Jan Soldat is a German filmmaker whose over 100 mostly documentary works to date deal with the depiction of diverse sexual practices and preferences.

“Far from making his films for shock value, Soldat is using the film medium to discover sexualities, relationships, bodies and passion in all of their forms—and in this way, to have another look at what it means to be human.” –IndieWire

“Formally, my films have to do with closeness and distance. A scene from a distance has a certain dignity. It enables me to show the protagonists of my films as proud of themselves. If I did too much close-ups, it would be too much for the audience, especially in the painful moments. By trying to keep a distance, the viewer can enter the film without the desire to leave. In “Law and Order,” every scene is framed equally, which makes it more neutral, without the film saying one thing is more important than the other. As a viewer, you have more freedom to decide. That’s why I like it.”

My films are about authority, control and power. It’s not just about dominance and submission, it’s also about being active and passive. These stories are very abstract in a way; they make what a power relationship is very obvious. Most people say their relationship is not about these things, but I think every relationship is. We have to confront them, call them out for what they are." —Jan Soldat

At Least I’ve Been Outside (2021, 5:20)

Zucht und Ordnung / Law and Order (2012, 9:00)

Geliebt / Be Loved (2010, 16:00)

Felix (2021, 19:00)

Friday Night Stand (2020, 10:45)

Nullo (2021, 15:31)

Hauptmann Lupo (2021, 10:42)

Open Gates (2022, 9:17)

Protokolle / Protocols (2017, 20:00)