Docs: Remake

Ross McElwee’s films have always been personal. His own life remained central to films in which he addressed major subjects such as the tobacco industry (Bright Leaves) or nuclear weapons (Sherman’s March). But has he perhaps overlooked something all these years? The death of his son forces him to reflect anew. Remake, winner of two awards at the Venice Film Festival, consists largely of old footage of Adrian: a bright and imaginative little boy who transforms into a typically sulky teenager, and later struggles with mental health issues and drug addiction.

Images that had no purpose whatsoever when McElwee shot them now seem to have become puzzle pieces. Not only to understand Adrian better, but also himself. Feelings of guilt and anger—always present in McElwee’s resigned, eloquent voice-over—alternate with thought-provoking ideas about the role of film in our lives.

How images help to hold onto memories and how they can make bygone eras seem fictional. Remake has a lot to say, but keeps the core simple. For ultimately, this is primarily a film about a father's unconditional love for his child. Winner of the Beeld & Geluid IDFA ReFrame Award 2025.