Her Name Was Europa

Aurochs is the name given to the wild ancestor of modern cattle. The aurochs has the distinction of being the first documented case of extinction. The last known wild aurochs died in the Jaktorów Forest in Poland in 1627. Hunting and the introduction of domesticated cattle led to their decline and disappearance. Their value, however, derived not just from them being a source of sustenance. Traits that were attributed to the animal, such as speed, strength, and courage, imbued it with great symbolic power. Some of their body parts were ascribed with supernatural powers. The skin of the forehead and a cross-shaped bone inside the heart were prized for their magical properties. Those who carried them became possessors of the animal’s traits.
In the 20th century efforts to bring back the Aurochs from extinction began to materialize.
by Anja Dornieden, Juan David González Monroy Germany 2020 English, Dutch 76’ Black/White

Crew

Written and Directed by Anja Dornieden, Juan David González Monroy
Cinematography Anja Dornieden, Juan David González Monroy
Montage Anja Dornieden, Juan David González Monroy
Music Anja Dornieden, Juan David González Monroy
Sound Design Christian Obermaier
Producers Anja Dornieden, Juan David González Monroy

Anja Dornieden

Anja Dornieden is a filmmaker based in Berlin. Since 2010 she has been working together with Juan David González Monroy under the moniker OJOBOCA. Together they practice Horrorism, a simulated method of inner and outer transformation. They have presented their films and performances in a wide variety of venues and festivals worldwide. Their film Heliopolis Heliopolis was included in Forum Expanded 2017. Dornieden is a member of the artist-run film lab LaborBerlin.

Filmography (with Juan David González Monroy)

2011 Awe Shocks; 3 min. 2012 Oro Parece; 6 min. · The Handeye (Bone Ghosts); 7 min. · Eigenheim; 16 min. 2013 A flea‘s skin would be too big for you; 47 min. · Come and Dance with Me; 4 min. 2014 Gente Perra; 25 min. · Wolkenschatten; 17 min. 2015 The Masked Monkeys; 30 min. 2016 Heliopolis Heliopolis; 26 min., Forum Expanded 2017 2018 Comfort Stations; 26 min. · The Skin is Good; 12 min. 2020 Her Name was Europa; 76 min., Forum Expanded 2020 2022 Enthusiasm; 8 min. · Natural Human; 31 min. · Instant Life

Bio- & filmography as of Berlinale 2022

Juan David González Monroy

Juan David González Monroy is a filmmaker based in Berlin. Since 2010 he has been working together with the artist Anja Dornieden under the moniker OJOBOCA. Together they practice Horrorism, a simulated method of inner and outer transformation. They have presented their films and performances in a wide variety of venues and festivals worldwide. Their film Heliopolis Heliopolis was included in Forum Expanded 2017. González Monroy is a member of the artist-run film lab LaborBerlin.

Filmography (with Anja Dornieden)

2011 Awe Shocks; 3 min. 2012 Oro Parece; 6 min. · The Handeye (Bone Ghosts); 7 min. · Eigenheim; 16 min. 2013 A flea’s skin would be too big for you; 47 min. · Come and Dance with Me; 4 min. 2014 Gente Perra; 25 min. · Wolkenschatten; 17 min. 2015 The Masked Monkeys; 30 min. 2016 Heliopolis Heliopolis; 26 min., Forum Expanded 2017 2018 Comfort Stations; 26 min. · The Skin is Good; 12 min. 2020 Her Name was Europa; 76 min., Forum Expanded 2020 2022 Enthusiasm; 8 min. · Natural Human; 31 min. · Instant Life

Bio- & filmography as of Berlinale 2022