Ann Oren's Locarno Entry 'Objet a' Examines Obsession and Technology's Toll on Human Connection
The film 'Objet a,' directed by Ann Oren and premiering at the Locarno Festival, follows hand surgeons played by Aenne Schwarz and Louis Hofmann who become consumed by fixations. The movie reflects on contemporary issues such as war, climate catastrophe, and tech-driven alienation. It questions how desire and control operate in an era where digital screens often replace physical intimacy.
The film centers on hand surgeons Ingeborg and Adam, whose compulsive behaviors—stealing objects and yearning to become one—are upended by the arrival of Gaia. It debuts in Locarno's international competition on August 11, with a German theatrical release planned for early 2027 and North American distribution secured by Oscilloscope Laboratories.
Director Ann Oren, whose previous feature *Piaffe* explored sound, developed this story around the sense of touch, specifically how constant interaction with flat screens leaves fingertips deprived of tactile intimacy. The screenplay was co-written with Geoffroy Grison, with cinematography by Juan Sarmiento G. and editing by Hansjörg Weißbrich.
The film could resonate with audiences grappling with digital alienation, offering a visceral lens to examine how screens mediate intimacy. Its themes of obsessive control and tactile deprivation may prompt viewers to reflect on their own daily interactions with technology. By framing these issues through a surreal narrative, it could spark broader cultural conversations about the psychological costs of prioritizing virtual connection over physical presence, potentially influencing how people approach personal relationships.