— Night Fever (short) | 2011
Frank Theys

NIGHT FEVER is a psychological portrait of a character grappling with acute anxiety, inspired by Franz Kafka's The Burrow. The installation depicts a man in self-imposed isolation, whose confinement amplifies his fears and heightens his perception of threat. In his solitude, fear dominates his inner landscape, ultimately spilling over into the physical world as he tentatively steps out of his apartment, seeking refuge from his turmoil in the almost deserted streets of the metropolis. Yet, despite his attempt to escape, he finds himself unable to elude the fears that haunt him from within.​

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Beyond this deeply personal narrative, NIGHT FEVER also gestures toward a collective unease, symbolising the increasingly pervasive role fear plays in contemporary society. Echoing the protagonist’s struggle, it reflects the broader anxieties that permeate modern life, as fear drives economic and financial systems, while threats of sickness, war, terrorism, and natural disasters flood our consciousness through a relentless media stream. In this way, Night Fever serves as both a personal and cultural exploration, confronting viewers with the inescapable shadows of anxiety in an era dominated by uncertainty.

Screenings:

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