Avant-Garde & Experimental Filmmaking
Avant-Garde & Experimental Filmmaking
Experimental film can often be described as cinematic poetry, fever dream, filled with surrealism and symbolism, but there’s one fact: it exists as a cinematic experience outside “traditional” narrative filmmaking boundaries. Make no mistake, experimental filmmaking techniques and filmmakers have informed and influenced the motion picture media evolution, from traditional Hollywood narrative film to commercials, documentary and music video. David Lynch sites experimental filmmaker Kenneth Anger’s work as direct inspiration for “Blue Velvet” and Maya Deren’s “Meshes of the Afternoon” was recently the source of inspiration in a short film ad for luxury designer Dior.
Austin School of Film's award-winning Avant-Garde & Experimental Filmmaking course is a comprehensive introduction to Experimental and Avant Garde filmmaking and cinema. Our 8-week course is designed for students not shy of expressing their creative ideas and seeking to translate them into an experimental non-narrartive short film shot directly on film format. In this production-based class, through lectures and screenings, you will be exposed to groundbreaking filmmakers and their work. Ultimately, encouraged to navigate the images to create your own experimental short film on Super 8 film format. Students will also partake in a 16mm Direct Animation project as part of the production portion of the class.
Topics covered include:
Understanding the language & methods of experimental cinema
Explore experimental film’s history and connections to the evolution of all forms of motion-picture media.
Analyzing experimental short-form films & filmmakers
Applying experimental techniques to film exercises and projects.
Creating your own original experimental film
Technical Camera Lab: Shooting on Super 8mm Cameras
Technical Processing Lab: Developing Super 8 Film
Technical Editing Lab: Non-traditional editing techniques
What’s include in your tuition:
Super 8 camera rental ($150 value)
2 rolls of Super 8 film ($80 value)
Darkroom Access
Resource Slides (for post-class refreshers such as teching a camera, darkroom instructions)
3 month access to studios & coworking space ($525 value)
3 month access to computer lab
Film & Friends showcase of final work (with food & drink plus filmmaker Q&A)
This course is designed to foster an understanding of film as both an art form and a means of creative expression.
HOW CAN I START A PAYMENT PLAN?
Anyone is eligible for a payment plan for any class if they need it! Email us to get started on a payment plan at classes@austinfilmschool.org. We require 25% of the tuition cost at registration and can divide the remaining balance in up to 2 additional equal payments.
This course is sponsored by Kodak Motion Picture Film
ABOUT THE EDUCATOR:
Faiza Kracheni (she/her) is a Mexican Algerian American self-taught media artist and musician hailing from East Austin, Texas. Her artistic journey is defined by non-narrative analog film experiments that merge traditional techniques like hand-developing film and painting onto celluloid with new media, transcending the boundaries of the screen.
Faiza's directorial portfolio includes music videos for a diverse array of artists such as Young Guv, Vosh, Kotunsion, Mujeres Podridas, Don’t Get Lemon. and Single Lash.
With over a decade of experience as an active touring musician, Faiza's latest creative endeavor is the electronic duo "Flesh of Morning." Their debut single "Here in Heaven" was released in 2022, with a full-length album slated for release in 2023/2024.
Her multimedia installation "BORN & RAISED" has garnered acclaim, featuring prominently at SXSW 2023 at the City of Austin Public Library Downtown, as well as an international exhibition in Koscie Slovakia in 2022.
Beyond her artistic pursuits, Faiza is a dedicated advocate for the arts community. She plays a pivotal role at the Motion Media Arts Center, serves on committees for various art organizations including UNESCO Media Arts, and represents District 9 as a City of Austin Arts Commissioner.
Who Should Attend:
Students with an interest in art and experimental methods within filmmaking and media creation
Ages 18 & older, no pre-requisites. Beginners welcome!
Supplies:
All supplies included, such as a Super 8 camera, 2 rolls of Kodak film, and additional gear & editing lab access.
Students can purchase up to 2 additional rolls (total 4 rolls per class) for $32 each.
Damage Clause:
Students are working with real motion picture film and analog cameras, so it is crucial to be mindful of this analog art form and process. Students are responsible for covering any expenses incurred by the short film. Austin School of Film is not liable for any damages resulting from student issues. However, we will make every effort to ensure all students complete a film they are satisfied with.
Certificate:
Digital Video Certificate elective class
Certification:
This course, along with all Austin School of Film courses, is certified by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide Continuing Professional Educational (CPE) credits
