Part One of this series is about the origin of the Robert Beck Memorial Cinema (Rbmc). Part Two covers all the screenings in 1998.
Continuing into 1999 at the Collective Unconscious theater space in NYC, the Rbmc — co-programmed by Brian L. Frye and Bradley Eros — went on hiatus for the first week of the year, but resumed on January 12. Below is a list of screenings from then until a May 18 event that celebrated the Rbmc’s first full year of existence.
The films and filmmakers selected to screen by Frye and Eros represent an interesting time in the sphere of avant-garde and experimental cinema. Up until this point, there seemed to be a distinct separation between the formal style of, say, structuralism, and the more raucous, punk rock world of the “underground.” However, in the 1990s, these two worlds appear to be colliding. The Rbmc seemed just as content screening Hollis Frampton‘s Critical Mass (Feb.
Continuing into 1999 at the Collective Unconscious theater space in NYC, the Rbmc — co-programmed by Brian L. Frye and Bradley Eros — went on hiatus for the first week of the year, but resumed on January 12. Below is a list of screenings from then until a May 18 event that celebrated the Rbmc’s first full year of existence.
The films and filmmakers selected to screen by Frye and Eros represent an interesting time in the sphere of avant-garde and experimental cinema. Up until this point, there seemed to be a distinct separation between the formal style of, say, structuralism, and the more raucous, punk rock world of the “underground.” However, in the 1990s, these two worlds appear to be colliding. The Rbmc seemed just as content screening Hollis Frampton‘s Critical Mass (Feb.
- 6/17/2018
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
This is Part Two in a series of articles on the Robert Beck Memorial Cinema (Rbmc). As detailed in Part One, the Rbmc was an experimental film screening series in New York City, started by filmmaker Brian L. Frye.
Frye programmed the first screening on May 12, 1998 at the Collective Unconscious theater space. The screening included the feature-length documentary Underground by Emile de Antonio about the left-wing militant group the Weather Underground, and a kinoscope of Richard M. Nixon’s infamous “Checker’s Speech.” At the screening, fellow media artist Bradley Eros introduced himself to Frye and the pair co-programmed the Rbmc together for several years.
The goal of the screenings was to present work that typically wouldn’t be projected anywhere else, such as small gauge film formats and expanded cinema performances. The Rbmc would also host filmmakers in town for larger shows elsewhere in the city and asked them to screen their older,...
Frye programmed the first screening on May 12, 1998 at the Collective Unconscious theater space. The screening included the feature-length documentary Underground by Emile de Antonio about the left-wing militant group the Weather Underground, and a kinoscope of Richard M. Nixon’s infamous “Checker’s Speech.” At the screening, fellow media artist Bradley Eros introduced himself to Frye and the pair co-programmed the Rbmc together for several years.
The goal of the screenings was to present work that typically wouldn’t be projected anywhere else, such as small gauge film formats and expanded cinema performances. The Rbmc would also host filmmakers in town for larger shows elsewhere in the city and asked them to screen their older,...
- 2/4/2018
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
This year’s student-run Milwaukee Underground Film Festival will screen on May 1-4 at various locations on the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee campus and off-campus at the Microlights Cinema. Once again, the festival will feature eclectic and amazing avant-garde and experimental short films in video, 16mm and 8mm formats.
The fest opens on May 1 with a screening of films made by this year’s three-member jury — David Witzling, Diane Kitchen and Scott Stark — followed by a special presentation of works from NYC’s Lgbt screening series, “Dirty Looks,” including Michael Robinson‘s hilarious The Dark, Krystle, Luther Price‘s recently restored Home and Michael Lucid‘s online video sensation Dirty Girls.
Other films to look out for are a pair of award-winning pieces: The May 2 at 2:00 p.m. shorts block will conclude with Jennifer Reeder‘s absolutely amazing A Million Miles Away, which took home the Best Short Film at the Chicago Underground Film Festival.
The fest opens on May 1 with a screening of films made by this year’s three-member jury — David Witzling, Diane Kitchen and Scott Stark — followed by a special presentation of works from NYC’s Lgbt screening series, “Dirty Looks,” including Michael Robinson‘s hilarious The Dark, Krystle, Luther Price‘s recently restored Home and Michael Lucid‘s online video sensation Dirty Girls.
Other films to look out for are a pair of award-winning pieces: The May 2 at 2:00 p.m. shorts block will conclude with Jennifer Reeder‘s absolutely amazing A Million Miles Away, which took home the Best Short Film at the Chicago Underground Film Festival.
- 5/1/2014
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
Experiments In Cinema v9.72 is running April 14-21 at several venues across Albuquerque, New Mexico, primarily the Guild Cinema, but with satellite screenings at the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the Southwest Film Center.
Special Programs: On April 16, there will be a selection of short films written, produced and directed by local students through Basement Films’ youth outreach endeavor. On April 17, there will be a program, curated by Antoni Pinent, of cameraless films from Spain. On April 18, first Stephen Kent Jusick will present short films from the Mix NYC queer film festival; then Greg DeCuir, Jr. will present films from Belgrade’s Ciné-club produced between 1960 and 1980. April 19 will host another night of films from Belgrade, this time curated by Miodrag Milošević.
After Festival Night: While film screenings end on the 20th, on April 21 Gerry Fialka will lead two discussions and screening/event programs, first on contemporary documentary films and then...
Special Programs: On April 16, there will be a selection of short films written, produced and directed by local students through Basement Films’ youth outreach endeavor. On April 17, there will be a program, curated by Antoni Pinent, of cameraless films from Spain. On April 18, first Stephen Kent Jusick will present short films from the Mix NYC queer film festival; then Greg DeCuir, Jr. will present films from Belgrade’s Ciné-club produced between 1960 and 1980. April 19 will host another night of films from Belgrade, this time curated by Miodrag Milošević.
After Festival Night: While film screenings end on the 20th, on April 21 Gerry Fialka will lead two discussions and screening/event programs, first on contemporary documentary films and then...
- 4/15/2014
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
The 21st annual Chicago Underground Film Festival, which will run April 2-6 at the Logan Theater, will be extra special this year. Why? Because Mike Everleth, the Executive Editor of the Underground Film Journal, is sitting on this year’s festival jury! And looking over the fest lineup below, he is incredibly excited to witness this visual extravaganza of revolutionary cinematic madness. (Other jurors are Brian Chankin, Therese Grisham and Alison Cuddy.)
Opening Night Film: What I Love About Concrete is the debut feature by the directing team of Katherine Dohan and Alanna Stewart and is a surreal suburban tale about a teenage girl who believes she is transforming into a swan.
Closing Night Film: Usama Alshaibi will be making his triumphant return to Chicago with his latest documentary, American Arab, a personal and sociological examination of what it means to be an Arab in a post-9/11 United States. This...
Opening Night Film: What I Love About Concrete is the debut feature by the directing team of Katherine Dohan and Alanna Stewart and is a surreal suburban tale about a teenage girl who believes she is transforming into a swan.
Closing Night Film: Usama Alshaibi will be making his triumphant return to Chicago with his latest documentary, American Arab, a personal and sociological examination of what it means to be an Arab in a post-9/11 United States. This...
- 3/28/2014
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
Entering into its third year, Crossroads is the San Francisco Cinematheque‘s celebration of the best modern avant-garde and experimental film. Curated by Cinematheque Artistic Director Steve Polta, it will run on May 18-20 at the Victoria Theatre at 2961 16th Street (at Mission).
Some of the special programs this year include a tribute and retrospective to Cinematheque co-founder Chick Strand featuring three of her experimental works, Kristallnacht (1979), Soft Fiction (1979) and Angel Blue Sweet Wings (1966); plus, a screening of the complete works (so far) of young filmmaker Laida Lerxtundi, whose work explores “how filmic moments can be imbued with emotional resonance;” as well as a program of live expanded cinema performances by Kerry Laitala, Greg Pope and Gerritt Wittmer & Paul Knowles.
The rest of the fest consists of screening blocks of short experimental films, including Ken Jacob‘s latest, Seeking the Monkey King, plus new work by Jesse McLean, Paul Clipson,...
Some of the special programs this year include a tribute and retrospective to Cinematheque co-founder Chick Strand featuring three of her experimental works, Kristallnacht (1979), Soft Fiction (1979) and Angel Blue Sweet Wings (1966); plus, a screening of the complete works (so far) of young filmmaker Laida Lerxtundi, whose work explores “how filmic moments can be imbued with emotional resonance;” as well as a program of live expanded cinema performances by Kerry Laitala, Greg Pope and Gerritt Wittmer & Paul Knowles.
The rest of the fest consists of screening blocks of short experimental films, including Ken Jacob‘s latest, Seeking the Monkey King, plus new work by Jesse McLean, Paul Clipson,...
- 5/15/2012
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
Having been around for eighteen years, the Chicago Underground Film Festival has continually changed what it defines as “underground.”
So its 19th annual edition, which will be held on May 31 to June 7 at the Gene Siskel Film Center, feels like its most experimental edition in recent years.
While things kick off on the 31st with the Vice-produced anthology film The Fourth Dimension by Alexsei Fedorchenko, Harmony Korine and Jan Kwiecinski, the rest of the fest is packed with feature-length and short experimental work, documentaries and alternative narratives.
Some of the experimental feature highlights include the vastly prolific Robert Todd‘s Master Plan, which examines theories of modern housing from private residences to prisons; Australia’s two-person art collective Soda_Jerk’s epic rip on media piracy, Hollywood Burn; Michael Kosakowski’s compendium on murder fantasies, Zero Killing; L.A. filmmaker Daniel Martinico’s meditation on the acting process, Ok, Good...
So its 19th annual edition, which will be held on May 31 to June 7 at the Gene Siskel Film Center, feels like its most experimental edition in recent years.
While things kick off on the 31st with the Vice-produced anthology film The Fourth Dimension by Alexsei Fedorchenko, Harmony Korine and Jan Kwiecinski, the rest of the fest is packed with feature-length and short experimental work, documentaries and alternative narratives.
Some of the experimental feature highlights include the vastly prolific Robert Todd‘s Master Plan, which examines theories of modern housing from private residences to prisons; Australia’s two-person art collective Soda_Jerk’s epic rip on media piracy, Hollywood Burn; Michael Kosakowski’s compendium on murder fantasies, Zero Killing; L.A. filmmaker Daniel Martinico’s meditation on the acting process, Ok, Good...
- 5/8/2012
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
Student-run at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Underground Film Festival will once again screen a selection of phenomenal experimental and avant-garde short films from all over the world. The 2012 edition will run May 4-5 at various locations around Milwaukee, including the Uwm Union Theatre, Walker’s Point Center for the Arts and the the Peck School of the Arts Kenilworth Studios.
Some films to look out for at the fest include Georg Koszulinski‘s tranquil landscape experimental documentary The Search for Norumbega; new animation films by Jodie Mack (Point de Gaze) and Ben Popp (Lazslo Lassu); Clint Enns‘ environmental search for the spiritual, Connecting With Nature; two films by Winnipeg’s Aaron Zeghers, The Story of Thomas Edison and I See a Light; a visually arresting Chromadepth experiment from Kerry Laitala, Chromatic Cocktail 180 Proof; plus, films by Jim Haverkamp, Lyn Elliot, Tony Gault, Kelly Sears and more.
The...
Some films to look out for at the fest include Georg Koszulinski‘s tranquil landscape experimental documentary The Search for Norumbega; new animation films by Jodie Mack (Point de Gaze) and Ben Popp (Lazslo Lassu); Clint Enns‘ environmental search for the spiritual, Connecting With Nature; two films by Winnipeg’s Aaron Zeghers, The Story of Thomas Edison and I See a Light; a visually arresting Chromadepth experiment from Kerry Laitala, Chromatic Cocktail 180 Proof; plus, films by Jim Haverkamp, Lyn Elliot, Tony Gault, Kelly Sears and more.
The...
- 4/30/2012
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
InFEST Underground Screening Series
InFEST Underground is a new monthly screening series that takes place in Brooklyn, NY at the Spectacle Theater microcinema at 124 S. 3rd St. near Bedford Avenue. It’s being organized by filmmaker Greg Hanson of Greth Productions, which has produced such underground hits as Thy Kill Be Done.
Specifically, InFEST says it is looking for “underground oddities that are insane, psychotronic, transgressive, subversive, oddball, weirdo, gonzo, mondo, mind-bending, or boundless.” And, since this is a regular screening series, there are no entry fees, nor are there any restrictions on length, year, region or anything. If it’s underground, then Hanson wants to take a look at it.
To submit, please write directly to Greg Hanson at “Grethproductions (at) gmail dot com.” Include, if you can, a link to your online video, either public or private. Or, ask how to mail in your submission.
Dallas Video Fest...
InFEST Underground is a new monthly screening series that takes place in Brooklyn, NY at the Spectacle Theater microcinema at 124 S. 3rd St. near Bedford Avenue. It’s being organized by filmmaker Greg Hanson of Greth Productions, which has produced such underground hits as Thy Kill Be Done.
Specifically, InFEST says it is looking for “underground oddities that are insane, psychotronic, transgressive, subversive, oddball, weirdo, gonzo, mondo, mind-bending, or boundless.” And, since this is a regular screening series, there are no entry fees, nor are there any restrictions on length, year, region or anything. If it’s underground, then Hanson wants to take a look at it.
To submit, please write directly to Greg Hanson at “Grethproductions (at) gmail dot com.” Include, if you can, a link to your online video, either public or private. Or, ask how to mail in your submission.
Dallas Video Fest...
- 4/23/2012
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
The 7th annual Experiments in Cinema, or v7.9 if you prefer, will feature 7 days of fantastic experimental films from all over the world on April 16-22 at various locations across Albuquerque, New Mexico, including the Guild Cinema, the Southwest Film Center and the National Hispanic Cultural Center.
This year’s festival is jam-packed with a gaggle of short films, one feature and several workshops. It all kicks off on the 16th with an event devoted to films made with the Pxl 2000 video camera that was briefly produced as a kids toy, but has been adopted by visual artists. Pixel visionary Gerry Fialka will present films and a history of the camera’s use.
Some of the other special programs include a Cinegram Workshop taught by Kerry Laitala, another workshop taught by David Finkelstein on how to work with improvisational actors, a special screening of botanical-themed 16mm films curated by Caryn Cline and more.
This year’s festival is jam-packed with a gaggle of short films, one feature and several workshops. It all kicks off on the 16th with an event devoted to films made with the Pxl 2000 video camera that was briefly produced as a kids toy, but has been adopted by visual artists. Pixel visionary Gerry Fialka will present films and a history of the camera’s use.
Some of the other special programs include a Cinegram Workshop taught by Kerry Laitala, another workshop taught by David Finkelstein on how to work with improvisational actors, a special screening of botanical-themed 16mm films curated by Caryn Cline and more.
- 4/11/2012
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
It’s the 50th anniversary of the Ann Arbor Film Festival and they’re preparing an all-out blowout on March 27 to April 1 to celebrate! The fest is crammed to the gills with the latest and greatest in experimental and avant-garde film, in addition to a celebration of classic work from Ann Arbors past.
Filmmaker Bruce Baillie was there at the first Aaff — and numerous times since. He’s back this year with a major retrospective of his entire career that spans three separate programs. Baillie, who’ll be in attendance of course, will present a brand-new restored version of his epic pseudo-Western Quick Billy, plus screenings of his classic short movies such as Castro Street, Yellow Horse, Quixote, To Parsifal and more.
There’s also a program dedicated to the films of the late Robert Nelson, including Bleu Shut and Special Warning, as well as sprinklings of underground classics throughout...
Filmmaker Bruce Baillie was there at the first Aaff — and numerous times since. He’s back this year with a major retrospective of his entire career that spans three separate programs. Baillie, who’ll be in attendance of course, will present a brand-new restored version of his epic pseudo-Western Quick Billy, plus screenings of his classic short movies such as Castro Street, Yellow Horse, Quixote, To Parsifal and more.
There’s also a program dedicated to the films of the late Robert Nelson, including Bleu Shut and Special Warning, as well as sprinklings of underground classics throughout...
- 3/7/2012
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
The 14th annual Antimatter Film Festival in Vancouver, BC, Canada is an epic 9-day event of expanded cinema performances, feature-length documentaries an a ton of experimental short films and festivals.
There are seven feature documentaries screening including Marie Losier‘s hit The Ballad of Genesis & Lady Jaye, a profile of the pandrogenous entity, Breyer P-Orridge; and Chris Metzler & Lev Kalman’s popular Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone, about the legendary ska punk band. Plus, there’s Adele Horne’s And Again and more.
On the expanded cinema front, Antimatter welcomes retrospectives of Kerry Laitala, who will be presenting a selection of her 3D light and motion experiments; and Roger Beebe will screen a series of multi-projector performances.
As for the short films, the real highlight of the fest is a screening of Jaimz Asmundson‘s trippy and powerful The Magus, a fictional/documentary hybrid of his father’s Satanic painting process.
There are seven feature documentaries screening including Marie Losier‘s hit The Ballad of Genesis & Lady Jaye, a profile of the pandrogenous entity, Breyer P-Orridge; and Chris Metzler & Lev Kalman’s popular Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone, about the legendary ska punk band. Plus, there’s Adele Horne’s And Again and more.
On the expanded cinema front, Antimatter welcomes retrospectives of Kerry Laitala, who will be presenting a selection of her 3D light and motion experiments; and Roger Beebe will screen a series of multi-projector performances.
As for the short films, the real highlight of the fest is a screening of Jaimz Asmundson‘s trippy and powerful The Magus, a fictional/documentary hybrid of his father’s Satanic painting process.
- 10/12/2011
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
Experiments in Cinema is an amazing, annual celebration of short experimental film that runs every year in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Their v.7.9 is going to run on April 18-22 and they’re looking for submissions.
Regarding exactly what they’re looking for, EiC actually has a great mission statement right on their homepage that I’m going to reprint:
Experiments in Cinema is an annual, Albuquerque-based festival that celebrates recent trends in international, cinematic experimentation and offers a variety of ways in which attendees might think about the history of media representation and participate in shaping future trends in cultural representation.
In addition to the five day festival, EiC also travels around its home state to various schools, screening selections from their program in an effort to inspire a new generation of cinema makers and enthusiasts. Personally, Bad Lit: The Journal of Underground Film thinks that outreach programs such as...
Regarding exactly what they’re looking for, EiC actually has a great mission statement right on their homepage that I’m going to reprint:
Experiments in Cinema is an annual, Albuquerque-based festival that celebrates recent trends in international, cinematic experimentation and offers a variety of ways in which attendees might think about the history of media representation and participate in shaping future trends in cultural representation.
In addition to the five day festival, EiC also travels around its home state to various schools, screening selections from their program in an effort to inspire a new generation of cinema makers and enthusiasts. Personally, Bad Lit: The Journal of Underground Film thinks that outreach programs such as...
- 8/8/2011
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
Congratulations to Bay Area experimental media artist Kerry Laitala, whom the Sf Weekly recently named the Best Filmmaker Without a Pixar Contract (Yet).
Of course, Laitala does not work in the field computer animation that Pixar specializes in. Instead, she works heavily with manipulating actual film celluloid. She typically develops her film by hand, works with found objects to create images directly onto film, and has recently been exploring using a unique 3-D process called ChromaDepth.
The Sf Weekly describes her and her work:
The brilliant experimental filmmaker Kerry Laitala is a conjurer, summoning vestigial image-remnants from ancient films and, applying her singular skills in divine manipulation, evoking the fantastical world of jagged dreams, faded realities, and shadowy fairy tales. Working with the endangered material of celluloid, she constructs handcrafted gems that explode with fantastical associations.
One of her most recent works, Mercurial Madness, will screen at the upcoming 18th annual Chicago Underground Film Festival,...
Of course, Laitala does not work in the field computer animation that Pixar specializes in. Instead, she works heavily with manipulating actual film celluloid. She typically develops her film by hand, works with found objects to create images directly onto film, and has recently been exploring using a unique 3-D process called ChromaDepth.
The Sf Weekly describes her and her work:
The brilliant experimental filmmaker Kerry Laitala is a conjurer, summoning vestigial image-remnants from ancient films and, applying her singular skills in divine manipulation, evoking the fantastical world of jagged dreams, faded realities, and shadowy fairy tales. Working with the endangered material of celluloid, she constructs handcrafted gems that explode with fantastical associations.
One of her most recent works, Mercurial Madness, will screen at the upcoming 18th annual Chicago Underground Film Festival,...
- 5/18/2011
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
The 18th annual Chicago Underground Film Festival is ready to have another monumental year at the Gene Siskel Film Center on June 2-9, featuring a killer lineup with new films from some true underground legends.
First, Usama Alshaibi will screen his latest, most visually stunning and conceptually innovative feature Profane, about a spiritually confused Muslim sex worker trying to recapture her lost jinn — a demon of smokeless fire — on streets of the Windy City.
Then, documentary filmmakers Jeff Krulik and John Heyn return to their hard rockin’ roots with Heavy Metal Picnic, which relives one of the most notorious ’80s weekend parties in the history of Maryland and the world — the Full Moon Jamboree, which if you can remember it means you weren’t there. Plus, Hmp will be screened with Heyn and Krulik’s underground classic Heavy Metal Parking Lot.
Also in the documentary vein, are Marie Losier‘s...
First, Usama Alshaibi will screen his latest, most visually stunning and conceptually innovative feature Profane, about a spiritually confused Muslim sex worker trying to recapture her lost jinn — a demon of smokeless fire — on streets of the Windy City.
Then, documentary filmmakers Jeff Krulik and John Heyn return to their hard rockin’ roots with Heavy Metal Picnic, which relives one of the most notorious ’80s weekend parties in the history of Maryland and the world — the Full Moon Jamboree, which if you can remember it means you weren’t there. Plus, Hmp will be screened with Heyn and Krulik’s underground classic Heavy Metal Parking Lot.
Also in the documentary vein, are Marie Losier‘s...
- 5/13/2011
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
Every year, the student-run Milwaukee Underground Film Festival shows off a collection of world-class experimental and avant-garde films, screening work from some of today’s most acclaimed filmmakers. This year’s stellar event will take place on May 6-8 and will screen at several venues, including Uwm’s Union Theatre, the Walker’s Point Center for the Arts and Uwm/Psoa Kenilworth Square East.
Included in the lineup, which is printed in full below, are two films by prolific experimental animator Jodie Mack, Unsubscribe #1: Special Offer Inside and Unsubscribe #4: The Saddest Song in the World; Kerry Laitala‘s eye-popping ChromaDepth experiment Afterimage: A Flicker of Life (Version 2); Self Improvement by Clint Enns, one of Canada’s finest filmmakers; Zachary Epcar‘s haunting architecture study, A Time Shared Unlimited; and Steve Cossman‘s Jive.
Serving on this year’s jury are film professor at the University of Florida, Roger Beebe...
Included in the lineup, which is printed in full below, are two films by prolific experimental animator Jodie Mack, Unsubscribe #1: Special Offer Inside and Unsubscribe #4: The Saddest Song in the World; Kerry Laitala‘s eye-popping ChromaDepth experiment Afterimage: A Flicker of Life (Version 2); Self Improvement by Clint Enns, one of Canada’s finest filmmakers; Zachary Epcar‘s haunting architecture study, A Time Shared Unlimited; and Steve Cossman‘s Jive.
Serving on this year’s jury are film professor at the University of Florida, Roger Beebe...
- 5/3/2011
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
It’s four days of experimental media madness in the Sunshine State when the 7th annual Florida Experimental Film/Video Festival — also known as Flex Fest — runs in Gainesville on Feb. 17-20. The majority of the festival will take place at the Top Secret Space, with the exception of a Saturday afternoon screening of all 35mm films at the Hippodrome State Theater.
This year’s judges for the festival are film preservationist Mark Toscano and filmmaker Vanessa Renwick, both of whom will open the fest with two curated programs. First, Toscano will be screening several rare underground films from the late ’50s to the early ’70s, from filmmakers such as Fred Worden, David Bienstock, Chris Langdon and more. Then, Renwick will screen several of her own short documentaries, including the wonderfully eerie Britton, South Dakota and the touching 9 is a secret. These are two events that really are not to be missed.
This year’s judges for the festival are film preservationist Mark Toscano and filmmaker Vanessa Renwick, both of whom will open the fest with two curated programs. First, Toscano will be screening several rare underground films from the late ’50s to the early ’70s, from filmmakers such as Fred Worden, David Bienstock, Chris Langdon and more. Then, Renwick will screen several of her own short documentaries, including the wonderfully eerie Britton, South Dakota and the touching 9 is a secret. These are two events that really are not to be missed.
- 2/11/2011
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
Two very different underground film festivals of size, scope and types of films screened are currently open for submission. Plus, one has a final deadline that’s very close — which I’m listing second — and one that has a final deadline a few months away — which I’m listing first.
I’m listing the one with the longer deadline first because it’s the granddaddy of all currently running underground film festivals: The 18th annual Chicago Underground Film Festival will be running in the Windy City next June. (Exact dates Tba.)
The fest will be returning to its new — seemingly permanent at this point — home at the Gene Siskel Film Center. The early deadline is really just a few weeks away, but the final deadline is next year. The dates are:
Early Deadline
Dec. 1
Feature: $40
Short: $30
Regular Deadline:
Feb. 1
Feature: $50
Short: $40
Late Deadline:
March 15
Feature: $55
Short: $45
As for what kinds of films Cuff is looking,...
I’m listing the one with the longer deadline first because it’s the granddaddy of all currently running underground film festivals: The 18th annual Chicago Underground Film Festival will be running in the Windy City next June. (Exact dates Tba.)
The fest will be returning to its new — seemingly permanent at this point — home at the Gene Siskel Film Center. The early deadline is really just a few weeks away, but the final deadline is next year. The dates are:
Early Deadline
Dec. 1
Feature: $40
Short: $30
Regular Deadline:
Feb. 1
Feature: $50
Short: $40
Late Deadline:
March 15
Feature: $55
Short: $45
As for what kinds of films Cuff is looking,...
- 11/16/2010
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
The second night of the 5th annual Ata Film & Video Festival groups its short films under the heading “Lo-Fi Future,” which couldn’t be more apt for this selection.
Several of the films are literally just that, lo-fi visions of the future. Without any special effects whatsoever, these films tell us they take place in the future either just verbally, or through just shooting at unique locations. Other films, though, explore the “future” in a different way, by showing the effect progress has on culture, but through abstract means.
Wasteland, dir. Kathleen Quillian. Quillian brilliantly uses cut-out animation to illustrate the modern food chain, which starts from crop dusting fields and ends with automobiles blowing exhaust into the atmosphere. In between, cows are injected with hormones then are decapitated and chubby suburbanites pig out on hamburgers until they need to control their cholesterol with prescription medication that they wash down with beer.
Several of the films are literally just that, lo-fi visions of the future. Without any special effects whatsoever, these films tell us they take place in the future either just verbally, or through just shooting at unique locations. Other films, though, explore the “future” in a different way, by showing the effect progress has on culture, but through abstract means.
Wasteland, dir. Kathleen Quillian. Quillian brilliantly uses cut-out animation to illustrate the modern food chain, which starts from crop dusting fields and ends with automobiles blowing exhaust into the atmosphere. In between, cows are injected with hormones then are decapitated and chubby suburbanites pig out on hamburgers until they need to control their cholesterol with prescription medication that they wash down with beer.
- 10/21/2010
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
The 5th annual Ata Film & Video Festival in San Francisco is just a brief two-night affair, but is packed with more experimental and avant-garde filmmaking power than can be imagined. The fest explodes this year on Oct. 21-22.
Once again, the fest is a heady mix of local Bay Area favorites with filmmakers from all over the world. As for the locals, Paul Clipson will screen his newest, most epic work, Union; along with new animated weirdness from Kathleen Quillian; work by political mixologist Bryan Boyce; and an astounding Film/Video hybrid by Kerry Laitala made in Chromadepth. (In case you were worried, Chromadepth glasses will be provided.)
Other films come from nearby locations, such as Sam Barnett and Vera Brunner-Sung of Los Angeles; and Jeff Guay and Karl Lind of Portland. But others come from such far-flung places, such as The Netherland’s Maite Abella and Brooklyn’s Whitney Horn and Lev Kalman.
Once again, the fest is a heady mix of local Bay Area favorites with filmmakers from all over the world. As for the locals, Paul Clipson will screen his newest, most epic work, Union; along with new animated weirdness from Kathleen Quillian; work by political mixologist Bryan Boyce; and an astounding Film/Video hybrid by Kerry Laitala made in Chromadepth. (In case you were worried, Chromadepth glasses will be provided.)
Other films come from nearby locations, such as Sam Barnett and Vera Brunner-Sung of Los Angeles; and Jeff Guay and Karl Lind of Portland. But others come from such far-flung places, such as The Netherland’s Maite Abella and Brooklyn’s Whitney Horn and Lev Kalman.
- 10/15/2010
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
Bob Moricz beats me to it and does a post on anti-underground film conditioning. Don’t resist the resistance! Plus, Bob reports on a what sounds like a fun event to be held in Portland, Or: The Video Gong Show. Cut & Paste has an interview with Rachel Bernsousa of the Revelation Perth International Film Festival. So, how’s the fest going this year? Great! Also, Cut & Paste has several reviews of films at Revelation. Can’t get to Washington, D.C. to see Phil Solomon’s film retrospective and American Falls installation? Genevieve Yue tells us what we’re missing on Moving Image Source. File this one under unique screening locations: It’s London’s new Portobello Pop Up Cinema microplex located under a freeway . (Via APEngine.) Frank’s Wild Lunch reviews the long-lost but recently unearthed The Sorrows of Dolores by Charles Ludlam, which just screened at Outfest. Making...
- 7/18/2010
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
April 24
8:00 p.m.
Ata Gallery
992 Valencia (@ 21st)
San Francisco, CA
Hosted by: Other Cinema
As we all know, the hot new trend in cinema is 3-D, a process thought to be only the province of multi-million dollar movie studios and hotshot Hollywood producers. But, think again! 3-D can be used and exploited by your average, everyday avant-garde and experimental film artist working on the cheap.
Innovative San Francisco filmmaker Kerry Laitala will screen four — or more — 3-D films that she’s been working on that take advantage of something called the ChromaDepth Effect, which is a process that utilizes the different wavelengths of light to produce images with real depth. Two of Laitala’s films that will be screening are called Afterimage: A Flicker of Life and Chromatic Frenzy, while the others are Tba. How ChromaDepth actually works is a bit odd, but this web page has a nice explanation.
8:00 p.m.
Ata Gallery
992 Valencia (@ 21st)
San Francisco, CA
Hosted by: Other Cinema
As we all know, the hot new trend in cinema is 3-D, a process thought to be only the province of multi-million dollar movie studios and hotshot Hollywood producers. But, think again! 3-D can be used and exploited by your average, everyday avant-garde and experimental film artist working on the cheap.
Innovative San Francisco filmmaker Kerry Laitala will screen four — or more — 3-D films that she’s been working on that take advantage of something called the ChromaDepth Effect, which is a process that utilizes the different wavelengths of light to produce images with real depth. Two of Laitala’s films that will be screening are called Afterimage: A Flicker of Life and Chromatic Frenzy, while the others are Tba. How ChromaDepth actually works is a bit odd, but this web page has a nice explanation.
- 4/23/2010
- by screenings
- Underground Film Journal
While I missed listing the April 10 “Regional Youth Program” — which was technically the opening night — below is the lineup for the rest of Experiments in Cinema v.5.1. that will run April 14-18 at several venues in Albuquerque, New Mexico, including the Guild Cinema.
This is four nights and one day of some of the best cutting edge experimental films and videos being made today. Each night — and the day — is jam-packed with over three hours or of unique and intriguing short films made by filmmakers such as Sylvia Schedelbauer, Vanessa Renwick, Robert Todd, Penny Lane and Kerry Laitala. All told, there will 50 films from 13 countries screening, including 12 World Premieres.
Although Experiments in Cinema is truly an international event, festival director Bryan Konefsky is placing a special emphasis on regional filmmaking and has invited other festival directors and film curators to showcase works from their particular region. Montse Badia will screen Spanish experimental video,...
This is four nights and one day of some of the best cutting edge experimental films and videos being made today. Each night — and the day — is jam-packed with over three hours or of unique and intriguing short films made by filmmakers such as Sylvia Schedelbauer, Vanessa Renwick, Robert Todd, Penny Lane and Kerry Laitala. All told, there will 50 films from 13 countries screening, including 12 World Premieres.
Although Experiments in Cinema is truly an international event, festival director Bryan Konefsky is placing a special emphasis on regional filmmaking and has invited other festival directors and film curators to showcase works from their particular region. Montse Badia will screen Spanish experimental video,...
- 4/14/2010
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
The teasing is over! This here is the real deal. The moment we wait all year for: The lineup for the powerful, the mighty Boston Underground Film Festival, which is set to run March 25 to April 1. Now in its 12th year, Buff shows no sign of slowing down or taking it easy. In fact, this might be their most demented and transgressive edition yet.
There are homages to Giallo horror, tributes to the grand grindhouse tradition of sleaze and exploitation, sex and violence galore — both separately and together — plus, a resurrected ’80s slasher classic that all combine into an epic celebration of everything that is vicious and twisted in this world. But, in a fun way, ya know.
Alas, I haven’t seen any of the feature films that are playing this year, so I can’t offer any special recommendations of those. Although, there are many (most) that I...
There are homages to Giallo horror, tributes to the grand grindhouse tradition of sleaze and exploitation, sex and violence galore — both separately and together — plus, a resurrected ’80s slasher classic that all combine into an epic celebration of everything that is vicious and twisted in this world. But, in a fun way, ya know.
Alas, I haven’t seen any of the feature films that are playing this year, so I can’t offer any special recommendations of those. Although, there are many (most) that I...
- 3/12/2010
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
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