JAPAN CUTS 2015 Film Workshop

In this one-day workshop participants will learn to manipulate the surface of the film using a variety of camera-less filmmaking techniques: painting, scratching, collage, and masking in order to create an experimental film on 16mm. This intensive workshop is designed to introduce, explore and master (on some level) the ability to articulate movement through the tactile gesturings of this beautiful cinematic language.

The course will meet 11am, begin with a brief history of filmmakers using these methods along with their contemporaries. Then, after brief instruction, students will get their hands dirty almost immediately. The goal is to have each participant work with found footage and educational films on Japan to create a well-developed direct film work that celebrates the visual culture of Japan.

Participants will walk away with hands on experience of direct filmmaking, a finished film work, the knowledge to continue to work in this practice at home, and a list of venues to pursue for exhibition. All materials will be provided for.

Films made in this workshop will screen as part of the Experimental Spotlight program during JAPAN CUTS 2015!

INSTRUCTORS: Akiko Maruyama & Steve Cossman

LOCATION: Japan Society, 33 E 47th St, New York, NY 10017

TIME: Sunday, June 21st from 11am-6 pm

COURSE CAP: 20 participants

INCLUDES: 100+ft of film material, processed black leader, paints, masking elements, editing materials, informational course packet, access to equipment and 16mm projectors, HD video transfer of finished film by Dijifi, HD online hosting of finished film, local & international film festival entry waivers, two tickets to the Experimental Spotlight program on Sunday, July 12 as part of JAPAN CUTS 2015.

REGISTRATION: $95 General Participants/$80 Japan Society members, seniors, students

Please contact Japan Society Film at [email protected] with questions.

Presented by MONO NO AWARE.

MONO NO AWARE is a cinema arts non-profit organization based in Brooklyn New York. Working counter culture to the singular / passive viewing experience of digital media and streaming online content, the organization promotes human connectivity through education and exhibition of cinema in a variety of forms. Their annual festival, held in December, exhibits the work of filmmakers and artists whose work incorporates the moving image as part of a sculpture, installation or expanded cinema performance. Throughout the year they offer analogue filmmaking workshops in the community through the support of the Greater New York Arts Development Fund of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, administered by Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC). As part of their mission of accessibility and affordability, the organization rents filmmaking equipment and runs a film stock distribution initiative out of their home office in downtown Brooklyn.  Each summer they take field trips to the Thomas Edison Museum, The Warwick drive-in and this summer will visit the Oxberry Optical printer factory in NJ. To learn more please visit: http://mononoawarefilm.com

Select workshop film print material donated by Prof. Joanne Bernardi’s Re-Envisioning Japan: Japan as Destination in Visual and Material Culture, University of Rochester.

Inset photos © Mono No Aware.