There aren’t too many film workshops that allow you to create a finished work in one afternoon, but that’s exactly what participants can expect from Reinaart Vanhoe’s “scratch” workshop organized by Electric Shadows this Wednesday (May 12) at BC MOMA.

Vanhoe is a Belgian artist working in the tradition of experimental filmmakers like Len Lye and Stan Brakhage, who directly scratched, tore, painted, burnt and otherwise distorted strips of film to create stunning abstract displays of color and movement.

At Wednesday’s workshop, Vanhoe will provide students with discarded strips of 16mm film and teach them how to directly apply creative techniques to produce “scratch” cinema. From 6.30pm, the event will open to the public for a free screening of the workshop results, complete with musical and soundscape accompaniment.

Dan Edwards spoke to Vanhoe to find out more about what workshop participants can expect.

What is film “scratching”?
Partly it comes from doing things yourself (D.I.Y.). It is about recycling the waste of the film industry. But it is also about rediscovering what the medium of film is and understanding the projection of light. It is about merging the technical aspects with findings about the patterns of nature – whatever that means!

How did you become interested in experimental film?
I grew up in a little village in Belgium where my parents work as textile designers. I started to study at the art academy, and at first I couldn't find the place where I fit in. I ended up in the photography department, so I just tried to do things that I liked with the medium I was given. It was then I started making films. But for me movie-making was too artificial. I hated film when I was in my teenage years – boring old metaphors and all that effort to make mediocre movies. We have forgotten the experience of sitting in a dark room and decoding the projection of light, with no need to follow dialogue. It was only after I saw a film made by Len Lye that I really understood the film medium.

What can attendees at your workshop expect?
They can reinvent their experience of film, and get a grip on what it is. Doing the workshop brings the imagination back to yourself. It's not difficult, it's just doing and finding a rhythm – that is all the imagination needs.

Do workshop participants need any kind of background in film? Do they need to come prepared in any way?
There is no need for pre-knowledge for this workshop. The only thing you need is curiosity, and a willingness to waste some hours to gain some years, so to speak.

Who will provide the sounds to accompany the films at the post-workshop screening?
For the sound there are several options. I brought a film with me that already has sound, so we are going to process the visuals of the film while the sound is already given. On top of that we will put some extra soundscapes.

For a peak at an earlier Beijing workshop run by Vanhoe, check the video below.

Reinaart Vanhoe’s Scratch Workshop; presented by Electric Shadows in conjunction with BC MOMA; 2pm, Wednesday, May 12; BC MOMA; RMB 100 (includes all materials).
The workshop will be conducted in both Chinese and English. Places are strictly limited, so pre-registration and payment is essential. For registration call BC MOMA on 84388258-8008.
Films will be projected at BC MOMA from 6:30pm – free entry.