Violetta Holl
Web Editor
How much of the York’s film department’s 40-year history can you pack into a single screening?
On Sept. 30, that question will be answered as York film celebrates their 40th anniversary with a showcase of 40 one-minute clips from films created in the department since 1970.
The presentation, dubbed The 40 Film, “aimed to present the different sides of York films by making one film that captured a variety of different films made at York University over the years,” said Amnon Buchbiner, chair of York’s film department. At the screening, students will see bits from documentaries, comedies, nature films, cartoons, narratives and experimental films.
Attendees can also look forward to seeing familiar names on the screen. Highlights include clips from films by York students, including famous York alumni Robert Cooper, co-creator of the TV series Stargate, cinematographer Paul Sarossy (Chloe, Adoration), and Rhombus Media founder Niv Fichman (Hobo with a Shotgun, Passchendaele, Blindness).
The 40 Film follows the development of York film linearly, evenly spreading student films clips throughout the years. The department selected films made about a year or two apart to achieve this order.
Viewers can enjoy the clips for their own merit, but they will also be able to see the intriguing transformations in fashion and architecture that took place over the last four decades, including those of the York University campus and Toronto.
Meanwhile, film students can observe the technical and stylistic transformations in the medium that took place. They will be able to witness how simple black and white movies have evolved into the vibrant colours of today’s high definition technology.
The film department had some challenging decisions to make in selecting the films. The movies had to be ones that York had copies of; many of the films have disappeared or were damaged throughout the years.
Luckily, the films that remained were often preserved because they were highlights of outstanding student work that won awards or did well at festivals.
The York collection included select films in good condition, some dating back to 1970, so the final collection contains a mix of film mediums including 16 mm film, VHS, digital and high definition.
Initially, the department narrowed their selections down to 120 possibilities before deciding on the final 40.
According to Buchbinder, certain films did not work in a short format because they did not communicate well outside the context of the film. Viewers can expect a series of clips that, though short, will all be entertaining and unique.
Through their selections, the panel tried to convey something about the York film school experience. “There is a number of films where the subject of the film is being an actual film student at York,” said Buchbiner.
The student films of now-successful filmmakers may be especially inspiring to film students who wish to follow in the footsteps of some of the more famous York alumni being featured.
The outdoor screening will take place 7-8p.m. in the Harry W. Arthurs Common and is free for all students and community members.
