Grade levels: Adult

While animation is often associated with Saturday morning cartoons, in the hands of independents, it is one of the most labour-intensive and awe inspiring modes of film expression. A look at the basic elements inherent and necessary to the creation of animation, with some playful examples.

Light and shadow, rhythm and movement, pacing, anticipation, persistence of vision: all are elements which singularly and in combination distinguish film as ‘The Seventh Art.’ The striking visual beauty, the passion of the artists and the politics of the work are displayed through the celluloid’s most misunderstood but perhaps most challenging and satisfying form: the experimental film.

How do fictions affect our perception of reality and understanding of truth? And how much of a so-called documentary is really document? These blurry lines are explored in a variety of documentary, fiction and hybrid films while filmmakers are questioned about their chosen tactics.

A look at the proudly transformative role the women filmmakers have played in redefining the form, content and terms of independent filmmaking. Explores how the media portrays women and minorities and what these women are doing to change this into a more positive model.

First Nations filmmaker Lorena Todd leads us through the issue of cultural identity, interpretation and the changes in the images we see since minority voices are reclaiming the screen. From early images of ethnography from the Harlan Smith collection and early NFB ‘Voice of God’ documentaries, we travel through history to discover the stories as told by contemporary Canadian Aboriginal, Chinese, Japanese, Black and East Indian filmmakers.

A montage of filmmakers outside the mainstream, highlighting the common bond of struggle, but also the very different forms and styles of filmic expression it fosters. Issues discussed include economic imperatives, creative freedom, personal integrity and community empowerment.