John Porter Sampler

John Porter uses film as visual art, much like painting or sculpture,. Most of his 300 films are silent, very short and made in series, such aas landscapes, cityscapes, popular rituals, crowd documentaries, local histories, toy stories and “Camera Dances” in which he performs for the camera. Unlike most filmmakers, John shows his original films (no copies) and incorporates performance into the exhibition by miming in front of the screen, moving a hand-held projector around the room, and talking with the audience during the his films. He has been invited to many university film production classes to demonstrate a different way to approach filmmaking and exhibition. Porter’s films exploit and celebrate the unique qualities of Super 8 film and equipment – simple, economical, accessible, inconspicuous, portable, fun, spontaneous, intimate and expressive. Some of his films are “experimental,” often using pixilation (a form of live animation), but all of his films are better termed “personal” because of their subjects and the fact that everything (writing, designing, acting, shooting, editing, sound recording and projecting) is done by the same person. His films are dynamic, fun and revealing, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. “…as magical for contemporary audiences as the original Georges Méliès trick-films must have seemed a century ago.” – Scott MacDonald, “A Critical Cinema 3,” University of California Press, 1998 “Porter is an ideal experimental film ambassador to the general community. His films are fun to watch and require no prior schooling to appreciate.” – Chris Gehman, “The John Porter Film Activity Book,” Pleasure Dome, 1998 “…unique in my experience of movies.” – Jim Hoberman, “The Village Voice,” 1982 The John Porter Sampler contains eight Super 8 films made between 1974 and 1992 which are available for preview on VHS – many titles are available for exhibition on Super 8. Due to the volume of work and specific exhibition requirements, please contact the CFMDC for more information. Titles on the John Porter Sampler: Cinefuge (5 min. sound 1974-81); Martha’s Balloon Ride (5 min. silent 1981/82); Canoe Trip (3 min. silent 1986); Calendar Girl (4 min. sound 1981-88); Picture Pitcher (5 min. sound 1989); Toy Catalogue (13 min. sound 1981-89); Secret of the Lost Tunnel (4 min. sound 1992); Pleading Art (3 min. Sound 1992)