Liz and Mbachi's Class Notes

Steve and Aikido from MonoNoAware were with us on Thursday to teach the kids about Super8 filmmaking. The kids learned about the variety of film sizes, the origin of Super8 filmmaking, and the miraculous process of how film works by way of chemistry and light. The kids were prepared as they had formed film groups last week, developed ideas and storyboards, and so after a discussion about in-camera editing, the groups began filmmaking. Each camera holds three minutes of film, and the kids took their time, thoughtfully preparing each shot. The process was a fantastic exercise in restraint and intention and an excellent contrast to the experience of digital filmmaking. Steve set-up a makeshift darkroom in our restroom, and once the film was ready for light, the film was placed on the table, and we looked on while it underwent the final processing. When it was ready and chemical-fee, each group held their film up to the sun to dry. We watched Steve fuse the films together onto one larger film, blackened our windows, and enjoyed our four black and white films. Steve is digitizing the films so that the kids can add sound and edit. The films will be shown on Movie Night which is scheduled for Tuesday, June 5th. This residency was possible because of your financial support, and we are so appreciative that you made this happen - thank you, thank you!!!