Christian Farrell: The Transmutation of Light - Alchemy & Cinema

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Course Description

In this intensive, multi-disciplinary course we will explore the ancient art of alchemy and its reflections and refractions in the art of cinema. Through viewing and discussing a range of alchemically resonant moving-image works, and making our own 'laboratory' investigations into the elements of cinema (time, light, shadow, movement, sound...), we will combine theory and practice to reveal an alchemical approach to art-making in which transformations occur through an imaginative participation with matter. Trajectories of inquiry will include: tracing the entwined histories of alchemy and cinema; the alchemical approach to nature; a survey of Mala Strana's alchemical house signs; contemplative experiments; dream logic in alchemical imagery and surrealist film; and explorations of both 'direct filmmaking' and 'expanded cinema' where film emulsions and the moment of projection become sites of transmutation. Our investigations into the intersection of alchemy & cinema will be illuminated by a selection of short experimental films and excerpts from feature films and documentaries including works by Georges Melies, Stan Brakhage, Susan Derges, Jennifer Reeves, Jurgen Reble, silt, Kerry Laitala, Jan Svankmajer, Quay Brothers, David Leburn, Jennie Liotta, and Harry Smith. A collection of readings including texts by Scott MacDonald, Nathaniel Dorsky, Morris Berman, Carl Jung, Frances Yates, Theodore Roszak, Mircea Eliade, Paracelsus, Salomon Trismosin, and Hermes Trismegistus, will help provide our study with a philosophical foundation.

Using moving pictures to shed light upon 'the secret art', and hermetic philosophy and methodology as keys to unlock the deeper meanings of films, we shall explore alchemy by way of cinema and cinema by way of alchemy.

March 15 - 17, 2012

Thursday: 6 pm - 9 pm in Classroom 1

Friday, Saturday: 9 am - 1 pm, 2 pm - 5 pm in Classroom 1

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Planned learning activities and teaching methods:

This course will involve screenings, discussions, excursions, and in-class, direct cinema experiments.

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Student evaluations will be based on attendance, involvement in class discussions, and participation in in-class experiments.

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Born in San Francisco, California, Christian Farrell has been living in his wife's hometown of Cesky Krumlov in South Bohemia, Czech Republic off and on since 1998. As a member of the cinema collaborative silt, Christian's films, installations, and performances have been shown throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia at venues including the Whitney Biennial, Sundance Film Festival, New York MOMA, San Francisco International Film Festival, and the Rotterdam Film Festival. He holds degrees in both Film and Philosophy/Religion and has been teaching courses which chart the territory of his overlapping fields of interest since 2001.

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No schedule has been prepared for this course

The subject is a part of the following study plans:

• Fotografie EN - bakalář (optional subject)
• Fotografie EN - magistr (optional subject)
• Cinema and Digital Media - Cinematography (optional subject)
• Cinema and Digital Media - Screenwriting (optional subject)
• Cinema and Digital Media - Directing (optional subject)