workshops.

ASSEMBLING IMAGINATION is a and screening program and workshop that helps to get a closer look at the working techniques of Michael Fleming, a Dutch artist who makes his films exclusively using footage of all kinds, from commercial films to cinema film and photographic slides. The focus of all Fleming's work is film as material, of which he assembles and superimposes individual frame details, creating new images on which he builds his own particular and personal narrative. These are films that arise exclusively from the physical reuse of the frame. The photogram is altered not only in its original narrative meaning, but also in its very physical matter.

The workshop is dedicated to found footage film-making without a camera (cameraless film-making).
The workshop will be mainly practical, chemical processes and film handling techniques will be explained. The base of workshop is to explore and practice ideas around camera-less film making, working directly with found footage.We're going to dismantle the film, lift the emulsion layer from it's carrier, work with simple household chemicals and a knife to cut into the film.
This process will create new pictures from other pictures, new frames from other frames.A recycling process of frame, in order to expand your imagination and the many possibility that a single frame offers to you.
We'll use 35mm, 16mm, film footage.Participants will develop ways of playing and interacting with film footage, practising manipulations and alterate film.
Examples will be made and viewed at the end of the workshop.

No specific experience is necessary.

The workshop language is English. Workshop fee is 'pay what you can', suggested fee is 80€. Sign up by sending an email to mail@filmverkstaden.fi

Come and join us for this workshop on the 16mm projector, maintenance and its expanded possibilities.

During these 2 days with Canadian filmmaker Alex MacKenzie, you will explore best practices and maintenance for 16mm projectors including upkeep, use, safety, lubricants, belts, bulbs, bandaid solutions, common problems and ways to fix them. Projectors will be opened up to better understand the moving parts and what they do, and we will take a closer look at all elements, from film gate to optical reader and beyond.

We continue with making some rayograms in the dark room and then with the projectors to expand their potential and re-purpose their function. Light, lens,

focal plane, film gate, speed, shutter, motor, bulb, and screen will all be examined with live examples and an up-

close and hands-on approach. Try out various techniques and gain a better understanding of how these elements work both separately and in tandem for a demystification of the primary instrument of the motion picture.

The workshop language is English. Workshop fee is 80€. Sign up by sending an email to mail@filmverkstaden.fi

The workshop is organised as part of the Expanding North project in collaboration with Liaison of Independent Filmmakers Toronto, Polar Film Lab and Baltic Analog Lab and is funded by the Nordic Culture Point, Svenska Kulturfonden and the city of Vaasa.

Filmverkstaden is pleased to invite you to participate in the workshop on storytelling titled Feeling-Thinking Through Moving Images facilitated online by filmmaker and artist Ana Bravo Pèrez. It will take place in Filmverkstaden in its new location at Opistotalo on four occasions during one week: 8, 11, 12 and 14th of January, at 15.30-17.30. In conjunction with the workshop, a screening with three of Ana’s short films will take place in Draamasali on 11.1 at 18.30.

In this workshop, participants will delve into the world of experimental film. Unlike traditional filmmaking, experimental film allows for a more fluid and abstract expression of ideas. An invitation for participants to explore the intersection of emotions and thoughts, using the powerful medium of experimental film to tell compelling stories.

1. Experimental Film Techniques: Participants will delve into the world of experimental filmmaking, exploring non-traditional approaches to storytelling and visual representation.

2. Storytelling through Sensorial Images: The workshop will emphasize the use of sensorial images to evoke emotions, memories, and personal narratives. Participants will be encouraged to think beyond the visual, engaging with sound, texture, and atmosphere.

3. Personal Memories as Creative Fuel: The workshop aims to empower participants to draw inspiration from their own personal memories. Through guided exercises and discussions, we will explore how individual experiences can shape and inform the creative process.

4. Hands-On Practical Sessions: The workshop will include hands-on sessions where participants can apply the principles learned, experimenting with different film techniques and storytelling approaches, exploring how to create a narrative through visual and sound sequences.

Why This Workshop?

Experimental filmmaking offers a unique avenue for self-expression and pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling. By incorporating sensorial elements and personal memories, we not only enrich the visual experience but also tap into the deep well of personal creativity.

This workshop is designed for filmmakers, visual artists, storytellers, and anyone passionate about pushing the boundaries of conventional filmmaking. No prior experience in experimental film is required.

The workshop language is English. Workshop fee is 50€. Sign up by sending an email to mail@filmverkstaden.fi

The workshop is organised as part of the residency of the Ukrainian filmmaker Lesia Diak, which is a collaboration together with Artists at Risk and is funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture, Svenska Kulturfonden and the city of Vaasa.