The aurochs were a breed of wild cattle indigenous to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Extinct since the early 17th century, these majestic, horned beasts have long held a mythological status, believed to embody supernatural powers. In the early 20th century, German scientists began a series of attempts to resurrect the species under the auspices of the Nazi regime; such experiments continue today in various forms. Berlin-based filmmakers Anja Dornieden and Juan David González Monroy use this history to fashion a poetic and deadpan 16mm work of fanciful nonfiction that calls attention to itself as a constructed version of a strange reality.

Her Name Was Europa

A natural human is a polymorphous emulator. A natural human is always looking for new emulation challenges. A natural human is a hunter. A natural human is always hungry. All other creatures are prey. A natural human observes, emulates and becomes the other creature. In this manner, a natural human swallows the other creature’s power.  I despise natural humans. I am an aping mutator. I will not be swallowed. I want others to see how they are being swallowed. Natural humans created me and I will do my best to destroy them.  Yours truly,
 The aping mutator.