Analog Ecologies

This 16 mm programme gathers filmmakers that from various perspectives look at nature, landscapes, weather conditions, and ecological processes. One common denominator is the use of the analog medium to reshape, alter, intensify, and reinvigorate what we see and to challenge our perception of how these phenomena appear. Whether it is the vertical movement of a palm tree being chopped down, the rendering of grass, flows of water, sea- and cityscapes, gardens or cloud formations, all are captured through an elaborate use of the cinematic apparatus. Some of the approaches deployed here are the use of the static shot, an inventive use of time lapse photography, changes in projection speed and in-camera editing, and readjustment of the camera lens. An intense registration of landscapes and places occur in Jerome Hiler’s work, transformation of the scenery is at the forefront in Jenny Okun’s and William Raban’s films. Rose Lowder is occupied with ecology and site-specificity. The last film in the programme is a rare opportunity to see the extraordinary double 16 mm film River Yar by William Raban and Chris Welsby, screened using two parallel 16 mm projectors. Made under difficult conditions for two separate three week periods, the setting of the camera and view from an upstairs window in a water mill on the Isle of Wight, and the use of time-lapse photography create an astounding sense of alteration and variation of the landscape coming into being.

Curator: Martin Grennberger

Screened:
THU 26/10, 19:00 SLOTTS

Buy tickets

RULING STAR

The title literally refers to the Sun as the giver of life and light here on Earth. There is also a metaphorical aspect that refers to an interior guide of a person, that sees one through times of uncertainty and confusion.

United States 2019 / 16 mm / 22:00 / Director: Jerome Hiler

PALM DOWN

Two palindromes. One resurrection. No happy ending.

United States 2012 / 16 mm / 7:00 / Director: Amy Halpern

VIEW

Alternating real-time and sped-up views of an English riverbank on a wet winter’s day.

United Kingdom 1970 / 16 mm / 4:00 / Director: William Raban

FOCUS II

A frenetic energy and a remarkable stillness seem to collide in this unusual film, shot on 16 mm with a powerful telephoto lens. The filmmaker adjusts her camera and observes gentle changes in the landscape, at the same time exploring abstraction.

United Kingdom 1978 / 16 mm / 6:00 / Director: Jenny Okun

COTE JARDIN

A quick view of three remarkable organic gardens: Le Tomple, Le jardin du Mas d’Abri in the department of Gard and Le jardin des Sambucs in the department of Hérault. The film goes over their general layout along pathways amongst the vegetation, ponds and people or animals that happen to be there at the time.

France 2007 / 16 mm / 4:00 / Director: Rose Lowder

RIVER YAR

‘River Yar is one of the richest and most beautiful films to have been made by an English filmmaker.’ – John Du Cane. The film is screened on two parallel 16 mm projectors.

United Kingdom 1972 / 2 x 16 mm / 36:00 / Director: William Raban, Chris Welsby