Intro to Experimental Films

Learning Intention: To understand what is an experimental films 

Success Criteria: I can explain what an experimental film is and identify some types of experiemental films. 

1. Look up the following terms:

• Surrealism

• Avante Garde

• Montage

2. Read through the below explanation of what Experimental Film is:

What is an experimental film?

An experimental film is a project bucks the trends of conventional cinema and pushes the medium of film in unexplored ways. The spectrum of experimental films is extremely broad; this genre encompasses a great many types of projects of varying lengths, styles, and goals.

There are experimental feature films, though more experimental projects have shorter runtimes. This is due in part to many experimental films being made for low budgets and/or the fact that the majority of experimental films are never intended for mainstream appeal or traditional distribution.

There are many misconceptions about what experimental filmmaking is, so let’s dispel a couple. One common belief is that experimental films have no story. While some experimental films certainly lack anything that could be considered a traditional narrative, that does not hold true for all experimental films.

The audience for experimental films can be extremely small, and experimental filmmakers are aware of this. They are not made for everyone.

Surreal = experimental is another common misconception. Containing an element of surrealism does not automatically make a project experimental in nature. However, there is an intrinsic linkage between surrealism and experimental cinema, so the misconception is understandable. Let’s clarify this point with an example.

AVANT GARDE FILM CHARACTERISTICS

• Can be any length

• Niche and often artsy

• Pushes boundaries and tries new things

4. There are a some common types of Experiemntal Films

• Films that challenge the form of filmmaking - This means they break rules of normal films and manipulate the process of filmmaking.

• Experimental Documentaries - A film that uses non-fiction footage but in a way that challenges the conventions of normal documentaries.

• Experimental Animation - Animated films that use experimental techiques that challenge the normal way of making animated films. 

Watch the below examples of each types of films. 

I. Some films that challenge the form of filmmaking

II. Experimental Documentary

III. Experimental Animation

Reflection: What was your favourite clip that you watched in this lesson. Why?