From Art House to Cinema and Filmmaker presentations

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     "From Art House to Cinema" by Rebecca Alvin


    I think microcinemas hold immense cultural value. Sure, it is nice to sit in luxurious reclining seats in a giant multiplex but the authenticity and intimate experience in an independent cine-club is something really special and rare nowadays. In regard to experience cinema in one’s own home, it may be more ‘personalized but less ‘personal’. Attending an independent art house gives you a rare and personalized connection with the artists and other cinephiles around you. This is why I love going to Jengo’s Playhouse during Cucalorus. It is a small intimate place and the viewers are there because they want to have that close encounter with that certain film or artist.


   Jonas Mekas' story was really remarkable. To live through being in prisoned by Nazis and be fearless enough to want to share that experience with the world is inspiring. Fair to say he was just as ruthless the rest of his life considering he went to jail many times for fighting censorship. I really enjoyed the intimateness of his films.

        I thought Harry Everette Smith was quite a funny character from what I saw in his “selfie” video. Hearing about his experience with psychedelics was my favorite part. I could really see how his experiences translated to his work. I think I would consider him the father of the music video.  

       I have been fond of Maya Deren since learning about her, but I have never analyzed her work. That is the part I most enjoyed in Ashley and Tristen’s presentation. They touched on the recurring symbols in her work like water and special discontinuity. I really love how her pieces were dreamlike and highlighted the human body.

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