February 16, 6:00 p.m. | Introduced by Steve Anker, curator and Dean of the School of Film/Video at CalArts
- Image from Peggy and Fred in Hell: The Prologue (Leslie Thornton, 1984). Courtesy the Pacific Film Archive Library.
Since the 1940s, San Francisco has been both a haven and inspiration for an influential constellation of moving imagists. “Radical Light” grows out of a decade-long research project into the history of experimental film and video in the Bay Area, helmed by curators at the Pacific Film Archive and CalArts. Showcasing a number of recently preserved prints, tonight’s program explores the faces, places, and iconoclastic spirit of the region through films by the Miles Brothers, Jane Belson Conger Shiman, Alice Anne Parker Severson, Dion Vigne, Bruce Baillie, Robert Nelson, Mike Henderson, Scott Stark, and Leslie Thornton.
Followed by a book signing for Radical Light: Alternative Film and Video in the San Francisco Bay Area, 1945–2000. Thanks to PFA Collection Curator, Mona Nagai. Additional “Radical Light” programs are being held by Block Cinema (2/2) and Chicago Filmmakers (2/24). 1906–84, Multiple directors, USA, 16mm, ca 82 minutes + discussion.
PROGRAM:
A Trip Down Market Street, Miles Brothers (1906, 12 mins, Silent, B&W, 35mm)
North Beach, Dion Vigne (1958, 5 mins, Color, 16mm)
Odds and Ends, Jane Conger Belson Shimane (1959, 5 mins, Color, 16mm)
Castro Street, Bruce Baillie (1966, 10 mins, Color/B&W, 16mm)
Oh Dem Watermelons, Robert Nelson (1965, 11 mins, Color, 16mm)
Dufus!, Mike Henderson (1970, 8 mins, B&W, 16mm)
Riverbody, Alice Anne Parker Severson (1970, 7 mins, B&W, 16mm)
Degrees of Limitation, Scott Stark (1982, 3 mins, Silent, Color, 16mm)
Peggy and Fred in Hell: The Prologue, Leslie Thornton (1984, 21 mins, B&W, 16mm)
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