Coming soon! The Power of the Gaze

On 1 October, the Film Museum will open a new and exciting exhibition, The Power of the Gaze.

People tend to believe that they are in full control of where they direct their gaze. In reality, however, the way we watch films is shaped both by filmmakers' creative choices and by what we already know about a film before we see it. Advertisements, other people's opinions, and prior knowledge all create expectations long before the film begins.

While watching a film, our attention is guided by camera work, sound design, lighting, editing, and every detail intentionally placed within the frame. These elements influence what we notice, whom we trust, and with whom we sympathize.

The exhibition The Gaze: The Power of Showing helps visitors recognize and understand these techniques. Works of art, video essays, and interactive games created specifically for the exhibition reveal how the gaze is used to construct meaning, expectations, desire, and power.

Come and discover just how skillfully filmmakers guide their audiences. This is your chance to become a more conscious viewer, one who is no longer so easily manipulated.

Exhibition team

Curator: Sten Kauber

Content team: Elen Lotman, Heinrich Sepp, Julia Kuznetski, Kerli Kirch Schneider, Marion Koppel, Mehmet Burak Yilmaz, Tanel Toom, Teet Teinemaa, Terje Toomistu and Silver Õun

Project manager: Triin Kerge
Graphic design: Kristina Tort
Education programme: Helery Špitsmeister, Galina Zaitseva
Marketing and communications: Helene Tedre, Krista Arro, Margus Sass
Illustrations: Reda Tomingas
Exhibition design: Valge Kuup OÜ
Technical production: Random Solutions OÜ
Technical support: Aksel Haagensen
Digital Solutions: Novater Solutions OÜ
Estonian language editing: Hille Saluäär
English translation: Refiner Translations OÜ
Print: Deviis OÜ, Print24 OÜ

Many thanks to: Madis Matesen, Krista Sarv, Mae Variksoo, Riho Ints, Vahur Lõhmus, Hanna Korsar, Gonfiabile OÜ