August House
ongoing film project about a studio building in Johannesburg (South Africa)
“In the east end of the inner city of Johannesburg, a former textiles factory undergoes a dramatic transformation to become, over the next several years, one of the city’s foremost artist’s studios“ (Kim Gurney, 2017)
Resounding is an artistic-documentary film about August House in Johannesburg – a former industrial building that has become one of South Africa’s most important studio communities. Moving between artistic and documentary storytelling, the film portrays the building and its residents, showing how collective creative practices generate strength and continuity. August House stands as an example of the fragile balance between art, society, and urban transformation.
Personal stories of the artists intertwine with collective experiences. Resounding unfolds as both a visual and acoustic journey, centering on a place of art and the power of community. At the same time, the film reflects on global themes – mobility, artistic freedom, resilience – while grounding them in a deeply local narrative.
Kim Gurney’s book August House is Dead, Long Live August House (2017) has become a companion in shaping the film, offering both historical depth and inspiration for my own perspective.
Impressions of a Space - August House Through my Lens
The following screenshots give inside to my explorations of the building | captured July 2025 as part of my Artist-In-Residence stay at August House.
The research was supported by Lower Austria Arts & Culture
with special thanks.
