Poussieres d'amour is the first film by Werner Schroeter since 1991, made after he spent five years producing opera. It was to be expected that it would be a film about singing. In 1967 Schroeter started his film career with several 8mm films about his idol Maria Callas.

Now he shows the incomparable diva Anita Cerquetti, who lost her voice in the 60s, lip syncing to her own recording of Casta Diva.

Some regard this as the most beautiful performance of this aria ever recorded. The opera singers and friends Martha Moedl and Rita Gorr were also invited by Schroeter to come to Royaumont Abbey alongside several singers he had also worked with.

Preceding Poussieres d'amour is the world premiere of How Did You Know I Was In Trouble by versatile Dutch director Frans Zwartjes.

With the grants left over form his previous project, a colourful seven-minute film resulted from many days shooting. Unlike his earlier work, the camera remains stationary here. Only the protagonist Oshi allows himself some wordless movements. KD

Friday 31-1, 10.15 PM, Pathe 4, Sat 1-2, 1 PM, Pathe 4.