The highly anticipated Dark Mofo festival in Hobart, Tasmania, is set to unveil a unique cinematic experience in 2026, featuring the hallucinatory film *Sculpt* by French artist Loris Gréaud, starring Willem Dafoe. With an exclusive viewing format that allows only one person to watch the film at a time, this event promises to be one of the most intriguing highlights of the festival, which runs from 11 to 22 June.
A Rare Opportunity to View *Sculpt*
Originally premiered at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 2016, *Sculpt* has only been seen by an estimated 500 individuals worldwide, making this upcoming presentation at Dark Mofo an extraordinary opportunity. The film’s new edit, titled *Sculpt: Eye of the Duck*, will be screened at a secret location near Hobart, ensuring that only a select few will experience this elusive work.
Festival-goers will have the chance to queue each morning at a downtown Hobart box office for one of nine timed viewing slots available each day. Each selected viewer will be transported to a remote, disused facility where they can immerse themselves in the 50-minute film. In total, 90 viewing slots will be available, and those who miss out will have the option to wait on a physical bench for any last-minute cancellations.
“In a world where screens are everywhere and everything’s infinitely accessible, there’s something to be said about a screen-based work that is almost impossible to see,” remarked Chris Twite, the festival director, highlighting the paradox of exclusivity in an age of digital saturation.
A Diverse Line-up of Artists and Performances
Gréaud’s film is just one facet of a festival programme that promises to be rich in artistic diversity. The line-up features an array of performances and installations from both local and international talents. Spanish choreographer Candela Capitán and Mexican performance artist Kiyo Gutiérrez will showcase their works in unconventional venues throughout Hobart, including a massive cruise ship docked in the city.
This year’s music programme is equally exciting, featuring exclusive performances from New York rapper Princess Nokia, Glaswegian producer Sega Bodega, and Texan thrash metal band Power Trip. Australian artists such as Ninajirachi, Baker Boy, Miss Kaninna, and Folk Bitch Trio will also take centre stage, contributing to a vibrant musical landscape.
Engaging with Contemporary Issues
The festival will also tackle pressing contemporary issues through various artistic expressions. Gutiérrez’s performances, *Hairline Border* and *Un muro que parte el cuerpo en dos*, aim to confront the violence associated with state-imposed borders, while Hayley Millar Baker and Abdul-Rahman Abdullah will present their own unique perspectives on identity and belonging.
Additionally, a new neon text installation by Chunxiao Qu, titled *There’s Nothing Left to Pray For*, will reflect on personal loss following a harrowing family court dispute, further adding to the festival’s exploration of emotional and societal themes.
Expanding the Dark Mofo Experience
This year, Dark Mofo is enhancing its annual art park, Dark Park, by extending it onto the waters of Tasmania. Attendees will encounter a surreal installation featuring “scary as hell” robot dogs and large-scale international video art by artists like US cinematographer Arthur Jafa and Brazilian performance artist Berna Reale.
Twite noted the festival’s focus on Latin American artists, highlighting their compelling contributions to contemporary art and the need for broader representation in Australian festivals and galleries. He said, “They’re making really interesting things, and they’re maybe not as represented in Australian festivals and galleries … a lot of those countries are colonial countries too, who are dealing with the legacy of that.”
Regular features such as the winter solstice nude swim, the Ogoh-ogoh parade, and the ever-popular Night Mass party will also return, ensuring that Dark Mofo remains a multi-faceted celebration of art, culture, and community.
Why it Matters
The Dark Mofo festival serves as a vital platform for artistic expression that challenges norms and invites audiences to engage with difficult themes. By showcasing works that are rarely seen and providing a space for underrepresented voices, the festival not only enriches Tasmania’s cultural landscape but also fosters a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding art in today’s world. As we navigate an era dominated by digital accessibility, events like this remind us of the value of exclusivity and the power of art to provoke thought and inspire dialogue.
