Avant-Garde & Experimental Filmmaking

Registration closes August 30, 2025 for Fall 2025 sessions.

Experimental film, often seen as cinematic poetry or a fever dream, exists outside traditional narrative filmmaking. It has influenced various media forms, including Hollywood films, commercials, documentaries, and music videos. For example, David Lynch drew inspiration from Kenneth Anger for "Blue Velvet," and Dior's short film ad was inspired by Maya Deren's "Meshes of the Afternoon."

Austin School of Film offers an award-winning Avant-Garde & Experimental Filmmaking course, an 8-week program introducing students to experimental and avant-garde filmmaking. Through lectures, screenings, and hands-on projects, students explore innovative filmmakers and techniques, culminating in the creation of an experimental short film on Super 8 and a 16mm Direct Animation project.

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)

• Access to CINEMAKER & additional equipment access to support your film

• 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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

OPTIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION: Join us for an optional but highly recommended student orientation on Wednesday, September 3 at 6:30pm, just before classes begin where Austin School of Film will invite all project-based students for the quarter. This free bonus event is a great way to get familiar with gear check-out, studio access, and connect with your classmates, educators, as well as students from other project-based “Make Something” courses happening this fall.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Ideal for those interested in art, experimental media, and alternative approaches to filmmaking. Open to ages 18 and up. No experience necessary—beginners welcome!

SUPPLIES & MATERIALS
All supplies included: Super 8 camera, 2 rolls of Kodak film, access to additional gear, and use of our editing lab.
Students may purchase up to 2 additional rolls of film (maximum 4 rolls total) for $32 each.

DAMAGE CLAUSE
Students will be working with real motion picture film and analog cameras. Respect for the materials and process is essential.
Students are responsible for any costs incurred during their film production. While Austin School of Film is not liable for damages resulting from misuse, we are committed to supporting each student in completing a film they’re proud of.

CERTIFICATION
All Austin School of Film courses are certified by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits.

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 50% of the tuition cost at registration and can divide the remaining balance in up to 2 additional equal payments.