«What is experimental film, and why is it called that? Artists and poets working in celluloid since before WWI have always found themselves in no man's land. Excluded both from the artistic world and the film industry, they boldly created a grassroots network for making and showing their films. They also created a profound body of work that continues to influence our culture. I wanted to share a few of the films I love and introduce you to some of the free radical artists who made them.» - Pip Chodorov.

In this passionate film essay, Pip Chodorov (b. 1965, New York) examines the lives and work of a generation of artists who pushed the boundaries of the film medium - including such experimental luminaries as Hans Richter, Michael Snow, Peter Kubelka, Stan Brakhage and the godfather of the New American Cinema, Jonas Mekas. Working without compromise, and without financial reward, they were forced to create their own support structures in an expression of solidarity.

Chodorov sketches out the genealogy of avant-garde filmmaking in a playful, yet ultimately very accessible documentary that aims to transmit this legacy to a new audience. His respect for the masters is demonstrated by including entire films such as Robert Breer’s Recreation, Brakhage’s Existence is Song and the short film that gives the documentary its title: Len Lye’s Free Radicals.

While not claiming to be a definitive documentary, Free Radicals is a discerning introduction to the field, and its informal nature provides a privileged glimpse at the personalities involved. A fine introduction to the world of avant-garde film.

We are delighted to welcome Pip Chodorov to introduce the screening and discuss his film.

(Sources: IFF Rotterdam, BFI, Re:Voir)

Pip Chodorov
Web: re-voir.com

Søndag/Sunday 13:00

FR 2010 | Doc. | 80 min Director: Pip Chodorov	Free Radicals: A History of Experimental Film Script: Pip Chodorov, Lucy Allwood | Camera: Nicolas Rideau, Pip Chodorov, Ville Piippo | Editor: Nicolas Sarkissian, Jackie Raynal | Music: Slink Moss, Pip Chodorov | Cast: Hans Richter, Len Lye, Robert Breer, Jonas Mekas, Ken Jacobs, Peter Kubelka, Stan Brakhage, a.o. Production: Ron Dyens / Sacrebleu Productions