Sweet 16 - Analogue Film Camp

In this workshop, the focus is on visual expression and exploration through the medium of analogue film. The images themselves are the main protagonists and the technical features of the camera and the qualities of 16mm film will be the source of inspiration. Special attention will be given to the focus and concentration that working with analogue film demands.

Renowned filmmakers Ute Aurand and Juan David González Monroy will guide the participants through this process of using 16mm film as an artistic medium. The workshop will begin with a theoretical component– in which the principles of analogue filmmaking will be explained – after which there will be an introduction into the 16mm Bolex camera and its many functions, with emphasis on its use as a creative instrument. This will be followed by a screening of films selected by the instructors to highlight the unique qualities of 16mm and illustrate its expressive potential.

Next, participants will shoot roll of film as a group in a “chain film” format. Every member of the group will shoot a single shot and pass the camera around until the roll is completed. This will allow every participant to get a feel for the camera and a sense of its capabilities in relationship to their own creative interests. The group will then learn the basics of hand developing and work together to develop the chain film. 

Finally, for the second exercise, participants will put all of the previous knowledge into practice by shooting and develop a roll of 16mm black and white negative film.  Working in teams they will shoot, develop, scan and edit the film, so that each person will produce his/her own digitally edited film. The final films will be projected for the class and there will be time for discussion and feedback.

Ute Aurand, born in Frankfurt/Main, West Germany in 1957 and raised in Berlin, studied at the German Film and Television Academy Berlin (DFFB) from 1979 to 1985. Alongside her own film work she has been curating film programs since 1990 – the monthly “Filmarbeiterinnen-Abend” (1990-1996) and the series “Sie zum Beispiel” (1995–96). She is co-founder of the group “Filmsamstag” (1997–2007) as well as of the series “Großes Kino, kleines Kino,” experimental films for children, Arsenal. She has taught at the Universities of the Arts in Hamburg and Bremen as well as at the HGKZ in Zurich. In 2015 she initiated a Bolex workshop. Her films have been seen at international film festivals.

Filmography (selection):

1980 Schweigend ins Gespräch vertieft; 7 min. 1982 Umweg; mit Ulrike Pfeiffer, 12 min. 1985 Paul Celan liest; 5 min. 1987 Feucht-Trocken-Warm-Kalt-Island; mit Margarita Albrecht, 30 min. 1988 Oh! Die vier Jahreszeiten; mit Ulrike Pfeiffer, 20 min. 1993 Detel+Jón 1988-1993; 33 min. 1994 Bärbel und Charly; mit Bärbel Freund und Karl Heil, 35 min. 1995 Kleine Blumen, kleine Blätter; 48 min. · Maria und die Welt; 15 min. 1998 Terzen; 50 min. 1999 Fadenspiele; mit Detel Aurand, 8 min. 2001 Filmmuseum Berlin; 21 min. 2002 Im Garten; mit Bärbel Freund, 29 min. · Tulipan; mit Bärbel Freund, 1 min. · Für Frau Foerster; mit Bärbel Freund, 3 min. 2004 Halbmond für Margaret; 18 min. 2005 India; 57 min. 2006 Der Schmetterling im Winter; mit Maria Lang, 29 min. · Hier ist es zur Zeit sehr schön; mit Maria Lang, 55 min. 2008 In die Erde gebaut; 42 min. · Im Park; 6 min. · A Walk; 4 min. · Zuoz; 1 min. 2009 Kopfüber im Geäst; 15 min. 2011 Paulina; 5 min. · Franz; 5 min. · Maria; 3 min. · Junge Kiefern; 43 min. 2012 Susan; 5 min. · Lisbeth; 2 min. 2013 To Be Here; 38 min. · Fadenspiele 3; mit Detel Aurand, 9 min. 2014 Philipps 60. Geburtstag; 5 min. 2015 Sakura, Sakura; 2 min. 2016 Four Diamonds; 4 min. 2017 Lisa; 4 min. 2019 Rasendes Grün mit Pferden (Rushing Green with Horses)

Juan David González Monroy, born in Colombia, is a filmmaker based in Berlin. Since 2010 he has been working together with the artist Anja Dornieden under the moniker OJOBOCA.Together they practice Orrorism, a simulated method of inner and outer transformation. They have presented their films and performances in a wide variety of venues and festivals worldwide, among them the Wexner Center for the Arts, Österreichische Filmmuseum, Anthology Film Archives, Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Kunstverein München, Ullens Center for Contemporary Art, International Film Festival Rotterdam, Berlinale, New York Film Festival, Visions du Réel, RIDM, Ann Arbor Film Festival and Edinburgh International Film Festival. Both González Monroy and Dornieden are members of the artist-run film lab LaborBerlin.

Filmography (selection):

2011 Awe Shocks; 3 min. 2012 Oro Parece; 6 min. · The Handeye (Bone Ghosts); 7 min. · Eigenheim; 16 min. 2013 A flea’s skin would be too big for you; 47 min. · Come and Dance with Me; 4 min. 2014 Gente Perra; 25 min. · Wolkenschatten; 17 min. 2015 The Masked Monkeys; 30 min. 2016 Heliopolis Heliopolis; 26 min., Forum Expanded 2017 2018 Comfort Stations; 26 min. · The Skin is Good; 12 min. 2020 Her Name was Europa; 76 min. 2022 Enthusiasm; 8 min. · Instant Life ; 27 min

The course is directed at participants aged 18 or older who have a strong interest in film and would like to explore the theory and practice of analogue filmmaking in a workshop setting with international participants. Previous experience with 16mm filmmaking is not required but some knowledge of filmmaking and photographic principles is expected.

Participants are asked to register online using our application form. Please include a CV and don't forget to let us know your motivation for participating in the course. Spots are limited and will be awarded based on registration date after assessment of the application and receipt of the participation fee.

The fee covers the participation in the course, materials, and technical equipment. Meals and accommodation expenses are not included and must be covered by participants. We will happily provide you with recommendations for accommodation options in the vicinity.

ECTS-credits

This course includes 34.5 hours of in-person instruction, which equates to one ECTS credit recognized by the Film University Babelsberg Konrad Wolf. To earn these credits, participants must complete a group film exercise in which they collectively shoot and hand-develop 30 meters of 16mm film. They then present and critically reflect on their work (without grading). Upon successful participation and attendance of 80%, the participants receive a certificate confirming the award of the ECTS credits. Please verify with your university whether it recognizes these credits before registering for the course.