Lecture with Volker Pantenburg and screening of Nicht ohne Risiko (Harun Farocki, Germany, 2004, 50')

What venture capital or VC for short actually means is explained by the film itself. Banks only lend money against collateral. Those who have none have to turn to VC companies and pay interest of 40 percent, at least. We had filmed scenes at a wide range of companies: VC companies discussing projects; entrepreneurs seeking to give shape to their ideas; consultants rehearsing their presentation. In the end we restricted ourselves to just one set of negotiations and used the material shot over two days. What tipped the balance for me was hearing the lawyer for NCTE, the company seeking capital say, “We are a little disappointed by the offer”. I felt myself transported into a Coen Brothers film. The protagonists in our story film are sharp-witted and filled with a desire to present themselves. They are negotiating the conditions for the loan of 750,000 euros. (Harun Farocki).

Presented by Volker Pantenburg.