Syracuse TONIGHT!

Well, we've recovered from a late, but great night at the Polish Combatants Hall, premiering 28 new super 8 films (and one blast from the past), for the first Toronto One Take Super 8 Event. Standing room only (with 220+ in attendance) set the stage for our 11pm starting point, with all the films hitting the screen before 2am. No real snags except for a little bit of a delay in showing our very first Kodachrome sound super 8 film, courtesy of Ross McLaren. Considering the reel had 'expired' over 20 years ago, it turned out really well, and was a great follow up to McLaren's 1978 film Summer Camp.

There were many highlights throughout the night, especially from our first time filmmakers. There were also many 'firsts' on screen, including humping tortises from the Galapagos courtesy of Jonathan Culp. For those who stayed to the wee hours, they were rewarded with a new film from John Porter entitled 'Light Sleeper'. I won't describe it, as words don't really do it justice, but if you are in Winnipeg on Friday, April 23 you will have a chance to see this time lapse masterpiece as well as many of John's other gems at the Winnipeg Cinematheque. If you have never seen any of John's performances, don't miss out. "Porter's films are dynamic, humorous and revealing, enjoyed by people of all ages (families are encouraged to bring their kids!) They reveal and highlight the excitement involved in the risk taking of creating a super 8 film." - Winnipeg cinematheque program.

If you happen to be nearby Syracuse, NY tonight, please check out their 4th annual event at Funk 'n Waffles. If you can't make it, be sure to watch it online live!

The films from Oberlin have arrived and are ready to take to the lab. We'll have more details soon, including all the participants and location of the screening.

Pity the April fool.

April is upon us, and what a month it's lining up to be.

The Images festival gets underway this evening, with a fantastic line up of work over the next 10 days. Not the least of which is the first ever Toronto One Take Super 8 Event. Less than one week from today we will premiere 28 new films at the festival (so excited to pick them up from the lab today). Here's the key details of where and when you need to be next Wednesday.

Polish Combatants Hall

206 Beverly Street (at Cecil)

Wednesday April 7th

11pm

Pay What You Can (first come first admitted. no advanced ticketing so don't show up late and be disappointed).

The event is gaining more attention as the filmmakers are anxious to see their work. First time filmmaker (more comfortably known as a writer) Alison Broverman documented her foray into super 8 filmmaking and published this article in today's Toronto Star. It's a great article about the process and experience for a first time OTS8 participant.

While things are getting busy here in Toronto, final preparations are underway for the 4th annual event in Syracuse. Check out their blog for their snazzy new poster and details about their April 10th screening at Funk 'n Waffles. If you can't make it to Syracuse, they'll be webcast streaming the event!

And finally, things are underway in Oberlin for their second S.O.S (Super 8 Oberlin Showcase).

Films are being shot at this moment. Check back here for details about the location and time of the screening on April 23rd.

Whew. Looks to be a really busy month of screenings. Can't wait.

Super 8 Spring Stateside

Spring has sprung for the OTS8. We're quickly moving forward on 3 new OTS8's taking place this April.

First, we have our first Toronto edition co-presented with the Images Festival. 25 films are in production at the moment and will premiere on April 7th on the opening night of the Experimental Media Congress. We'll be announcing all the details soon, after the launch of the Images catalogue and screening schedule (including the names of all the participants).

Following Images, Syracuse is steaming ahead into its 4th annual event (complete with snazzy poster featured here), presented by the Syracuse Experimental Film & Video Workshop. 21 films from 28 filmmakers will premiere at the fabulous Funk N' Waffles. There are lots of returning filmmakers and some new names on the list, so its looking to be a great night of subterranean cinema on April 10th at 7pm.

And finally, Oberlin has put out the call for the 2nd S.O.S (Super8 Oberlin Showcase) co-presented by the One Take Super 8 Event. The first event in 2008 was a smashing success, and this year is looking to be even better. The first 20 people to enter will receive a free cartridge of film and processing, and have their film premiered on Friday April 23rd (location to be announced). Thanks to the Oberlin Film Co-operative for their incredible support and help in coordinating this event. Inquiries about the event can be sent to ofc@oberlin.edu.

It's clear that we're full steam ahead this spring in bringing you more super 8, on more screens.

Stay tuned for an announcement about our upcoming 10th annual event in Regina.

OTS8 @ 8fest

This weekend is Toronto's 3rd annual 8fest. This festival is dedicated to small gauge work, and OTS8 is very pleased to have a number of films screening in the 'Bagaroo, three!' programme on Sunday night. Cecilia Araneda's film 'In Reflection' was made and premiered at WNDX's OTS8 in 2006.

3 other films showing at 8fest are from the 2008 event in Regina. Gerald Saul's 'Cake' featuring his son William's instructional narration. Ryan Hill's 'Lights, Camera, Action' makes powerful use of glorious super 8 b/w reversal stock. And finally a film which has been picking up traction on the festival circuit is Helder Mauricio Carvajal's 'Beez in the Hood'; a humorous take on life in Regina's alley ghettos and a persistent insect.

Also, some OTS8 alumni have shot new films for the 8 fest's 'Golden: the polyphonic aural experience'. 5 Filmmakers and 5 audio artists created new work independent of each other, creating a one of a kind screening experience when they accompany each other for the first time this Saturday night. Deco Dawson's newest film 'Die Jungfrau und die Eule' is his unique take on the Brother's Grimm tale 'The Maiden and the Owl'. Tricia Martin, a long time contributor to the Regina OTS8, has finished 'Which Way to Mexico?'; her rumination on fantasies of escaping Regina's frigid winters. Congratulations to all the OTS8 filmmakers participating in this festival.

If you happen to be in Toronto, this festival is definitely worth attending as a rare opportunity to see fantastic small gauge film projected in its original format.