Covering the alternative film scene
I never thought that I should experience the jaw-dropping delight of seeing filmmaker Pat O’Neill on the cover of your Calendar Weekend section (Nov. 20). The articles by Manohla Dargis (“Past the Studios’ Shadows,” “Filmmaking Symbiosis ... to a Degree”), and review by Kevin Thomas (“Independent L.A.: Doing More with Less”), were a great introduction to the alternative filmmakers of Los Angeles.
The possibilities of film and video are endless and all the creative, emotional, cathartic, entertaining and informative possibilities of the media are regularly found in the experimental, animated, and documentary works by these artists.
For many years, Filmforum was the only venue in Los Angeles to see such work on a regular basis. Now, with additional new venues such as REDCAT and Echo Park Film Center holding regular screenings of experimental and alternative work, and additional events at LACMA, UCLA, USC, Art Center, the American Cinematheque, the 7 Dudley Cinema in Venice, KAOS in Leimert Park, Flicker at Spaceland, and more, the opportunities to be moved by these films have expanded greatly.
Los Angeles sits on the cusp of an exciting alternative film scene unlike any since the early 1970s, or perhaps ever. I invite all to come be a part of it!
Adam Hyman
Los Angeles
Adam Hyman is the director of Filmforum
Only good movies
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