Évènement à venir
- 16mm Creation - May 3, 2025 - May 4, 2025 - 10 am - 5 pm
- Internal and external camera operation
- Functions and accessories
- Camera handling – checking, preparing, cleaning and loading
- Exposure and use of a light meter
- Choice of film
- Choice of lenses
- Creative possibilities
- Broadcasting & Distribution strategies - June 18, 2025 - 6 pm - 9 pm
- Camera storytelling - Fiction cinematography - March 29, 2025 - March 30, 2025 - 10 am - 5 pm
- Casting preparation - April 2, 2025 - 6 pm - 9 pm
- Creative mentorship - Audiovisual performances - May 22, 2025 - 12 am
- Directing actors & staging #2 - April 4, 2025 - April 13, 2025 - 12 am
- Friday April 4 from 3:30 to 7:30pm
- Saturday April 12 from 9am to 3pm
- Sunday April 13 from 9am to 3pm
- Distribution & broadcasting strategies - March 25, 2025 - 6 pm - 9 pm
- Hand processing - B&W negative film - May 17, 2025 - 10 am - 5 pm
- Hand processing - Chromaflex - June 14, 2025 - 10 am - 5 pm
- Introduction to experimental cinema - May 7, 2025 - 6 pm - 9 pm
- Introduction to Optical Printing - May 8, 2025 - 6 pm - 9 pm
- Optical Printing - May 24, 2025 - May 25, 2025 - 10 am - 5 pm
- On the first day of the workshop, participants take part in test sessions, explore film selection and the creation of optical effects, including Super 8 blow-ups, masking and splitscreens.
- On the second day, participants will put into practice what they have learned from the previous day by making different sequences.
- Completion of the Introduction to Optical Printing workshop
- Independent practice on the optical printer
- Having already taken this course in previous years
- Remix & image deterioration - June 6, 2025 - June 7, 2025 - 9 am - 4 pm
3
May
4
May
16mm Creation
Workshop - Experimental Cycle - Spring 2025
Date / Heure
3 May 2025 - 4 May 2025
10 am - 5 pm
Lieu
Main Film bureau
2025 Rue Parthenais #301, Montréal, Quebec, H2K 3T2, Québec
With Erin Weisgerber
Member $240 | Non member $310
Bolex cameras are lightweight, inexpensive and versatile. They are emblematic of independent cinema and artists’ films thanks to their simplicity. They’re an ideal tool for learning how to shoot on film while retaining creative control.
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to handle the camera and master its subtleties:
You’ll also learn how to prepare for the realities of analog shooting with a few useful tools.
Cameras used during the workshop: Bolex RX-5 16mm and EBM Super 16mm.
The workshop fee includes technical tests on color film, processing and scanning.
Please note that the workshop is given in French, but questions may be asked in English. For more information, please contact us at : services@mainfilm.qc.ca
Erin Weisgerber is a Tiohtià:ke/Montreal-based artist who works with photochemical film to produce installations, performances and short films. She manipulates the photographic, chemical and material properties of film to transform the world framed by her camera, bringing about moving images that exist between figuration and abstraction, exterior vision and interior landscape. Weisgerber is a member of Collectif Double Négatif, a group of moving image artists dedicated to the creation and exhibition of experimental and avant-garde cinema and who maintain a self-managed artisanal film laboratory. Since 2019, she has been a member of Jerusalem in My Heart, an audiovisual performance project, with Lebanese producer and musician Radwan Ghazi Moumneh.
18
Jun
Broadcasting & Distribution strategies
Workshop - Experimental Cycle - Spring 2025
Date / Heure
18 June 2025
6 pm - 9 pm
Lieu
Main Film
2025 Rue Parthenais #301, Montréal, Quebec, H2K 3T2, Québec
With Serge Abiaad (La Distributrice de Films)
Member $50 | Non-member $80
Discover the distribution strategy for experimental cinema. From self-distribution to festivals, markets, galleries, distributors and the web, the instructor will review the different stages of marketing, essential promotional tools, key players and potential distribution venues, so that you’ll be able to put in place a relevant methodology.
Please note that the workshop will be given in French, but questions may be asked in English. For more information, please contact us at : services@mainfilm.qc.ca
Serge Abiaad
Serge Abiaad has taught cinema at Université de Montréal and Cégep Édouard-Montpetit. He is General Manager of La Distributrice de Films.
“La Distributrice de films believes that short films are not an exercise in emancipation or a springboard to feature films, nor are they ceremonial hazing or the stamp of a pass, because making a short film is already making cinema. Through the web, the big screen and the festival circuit, La Distributrice de films is committed to promoting Quebec cinema and filmmakers through a shorter format. ” www.ladistributrice.ca
29
Mar
30
Mar
Camera storytelling – Fiction cinematography
Workshop - Fiction - Winter 2025
Date / Heure
29 March 2025 - 30 March 2025
10 am - 5 pm
Lieu
Main Film
2025 Rue Parthenais #301, Montréal, Quebec, H2K 3T2, Québec
FULL – WAITLIST OPEN
With François Messier-Rheault (Paul, Vil et misérable, La fonte des glaces, Faire un enfant)
Member $210 | Non-member $280
A must in our program!
This theoretical and practical course will teach you how to effectively compose your images in order to direct the viewer’s gaze and produce the desired aesthetic effect. Framing, shot scale, camera movements – you’ll get a complete overview of cinematographic vocabulary. This will give you the keys to translating your intentions into images with greater dexterity.
Please note that no time will be alloted on learning how to use a camera.
For further information, please send an e-mail to : services@mainfilm.qc.ca
2
Apr
Casting preparation
Workshop - Fiction - Winter 2025
Date / Heure
2 April 2025
6 pm - 9 pm
Lieu
Main Film
2025 Rue Parthenais #301, Montréal, Quebec, H2K 3T2, Québec
With Tania Arana (Vampire humaniste cherche suicidaire consentant)
Member $60 | Non-member $90
Casting is a crucial stage in the making of a feature film. What is the role of a casting director? This theoretical workshop will demystify the preparation of a casting, from reading the script to organizing auditions, establishing roles and contacting agents. The course will be based on Tania Arana’s experience as a casting director.
The Fiction cycle continues through the winter! To see the full program, please visit the Events & Workshops page. For other information, please send an email to: services@mainfilm.qc.ca
Tania Arana
Tania Arana became a casting director in 2014 after studying communications and training as an actress in France. She worked on Maïmouna Doucouré’s first films (Maman(s) and Mignonnes), which gave her a great start, and continued her adventure in Quebec, where she has lived since 2016. Comfortable with non-agency casting, Tania likes to think outside the box and discover new talent. With her multicultural background, she makes it a point of honor to put forward profiles that are still under-represented on defensible projects. Specializing in short and feature-length films, her expertise has also led her to distribute documentaries and web series. She attaches great importance to respecting and caring for actors, working hand in hand with directors. In 2024, she was nominated at the Canadian Screen Awards for Best Casting for the film Vampire humaniste cherche suicidaire consentant.
22
May
Creative mentorship – Audiovisual performances
Workshop - Experimental Cycle - Spring 2025
Date / Heure
22 May 2025
12 am
Lieu
Main Film
2025 Rue Parthenais #301, Montréal, Quebec, H2K 3T2, Québec
With Maxime Corbeil-Perron
Member $90 | Non-member $120
Audiovisual works can take many forms beyond the cinema screen. An experienced artist will study your project and meet you face-to-face for an hour to discuss the artistic and logistical issues involved.
Pour tout renseignement, n’hésitez pas à envoyer un courriel à : services@mainfilm.qc.ca
Maxime Corbeil-Perron
ⓒ Ira Lacdao
Maxime Corbeil-Perron (il/lui) is an artist based in Tiohtià:ke/Mooniyang/Montreal whose artistic practice unfolds in a multiplicity of media: audiovisual performance, experimental cinema, electroacoustic composition, improvisation, sound art and installation. His recent works take a media archaeology approach, in which he seeks to establish relationships between obsolete media and contemporary technologies, in search of new aesthetic possibilities.
4
Apr
13
Apr
Directing actors & staging #2
Workshop -
Date / Heure
4 April 2025 - 13 April 2025
12 am
Lieu
Main Film
2025 Rue Parthenais #301, Montréal, Quebec, H2K 3T2, Québec
With Kristina Wagenbauer (Sashinka)
Member $220 | Non-member $290
This workshop offers a rare opportunity to get behind-the-scenes insight into the work between directors and their actors.
From the crucial choice of casting, to work on the set, to table rehearsals, Kristina Wagenbauer will let you explore all the steps involved in directing actors. Using concrete examples from her films, she will show you how to get the best out of your actors. You’ll develop your ability to communicate your intentions to the actors and translate them into framing.
Detailed schedule
In the presence of actors for the practical part of staging and directing.
The workshop will be given in French but questions may be asked in English.
The Fiction cycle continues through the winter! To see the full program, please visit the Events & Workshops page. For other information, please send an email to: services@mainfilm.qc.ca
Kristina Wagenbauer
Kristina Wagenbauer is a Canadian screenwriter and director of Russian and Swiss descent. After writing and directing several festival-winning shorts, she co-wrote and directed her first feature film, Sashinka, financed by Telefilm Canada’s Talent in Sight fund. Her films have been selected for 100+ festivals, including the Locarno Festival, the Oberhausen Festival, the Festival du nouveau cinéma and the Seattle International Film Festival. Noted for her sensitivity, offbeat humor and excellent directing, Kristina Wagenbauer’s work has won numerous awards. In 2021, in parallel with the release of her documentary film, Babushka, in competition at RIDM, Kristina will travel to Switzerland to shoot episodes of the series Avoir l’âge for RTS. She is currently developing Superluminal, a feature-length fiction film produced by Art&Essai, as well as several other fiction and documentary projects.
25
Mar
Distribution & broadcasting strategies
Workshop - Fiction - Winter 2025
Date / Heure
25 March 2025
6 pm - 9 pm
Lieu
Main Film
2025 Rue Parthenais #301, Montréal, Quebec, H2K 3T2, Québec
With Travelling Distribution
Member $60 | Non-member $90
From self-distribution to festivals, markets, distributors and the web, the instructor will review the various marketing stages, essential promotional tools, key players and potential distribution venues, so that you’ll be able to put in place a relevant methodology.
The Fiction cycle continues through the winter! To see the full program, please visit the Events & Workshops page. For other information, please send an email to: services@mainfilm.qc.ca
Travelling Distribution
Since 2007, Travelling Distribution is a pioneer in the distribution and marketing of short films, both in Quebec and internationally. With a catalog of over 200 titles, including the Oscar-nominated Brotherhood, No Crying At The Dinner Table and Oasis, and hundreds of selections and awards each year at festivals around the world, Travelling has made a name for itself as a key player in the industry. Travelling is a melting pot for talent and new cinematic voices, an ally that allows filmmakers to focus on what they do best: making films.
Travelling Distribution welcomes local and international short films of all genres. Our editorial line aims for artistic quality, freshness and diversity in every sense of the word, with a particular affection for narrative films. Striving for quality relationships with our collaborators, our approach to distribution is based on care and authenticity.
To date, Travelling has devoted itself exclusively to the distribution of short films, convinced of the strong potential of this medium, as well as the importance of promoting and disseminating it.
17
May
Hand processing – B&W negative film
Workshop - Experimental Cycle - Spring 2025
Date / Heure
17 May 2025
10 am - 5 pm
Lieu
Main Film bureau
2025 Rue Parthenais #301, Montréal, Quebec, H2K 3T2, Québec
With Guillaume Vallée
Member $150 | Non-member $225
Hand processing gives filmmakers unique control over the visual outcome of their film.
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the basics of using a darkroom, which chemicals to use, film processing recipes and different film processing techniques.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own exposed film to develop during the workshop.
Please note that the workshop will be given in French, but questions may be asked in English. For more information, please contact us at : services@mainfilm.qc.ca
Ⓒ Sarah Seené
Experimental filmmaker and video artist Guillaume Vallée graduated from Concordia University with a degree in animation and an MFA in Studio Arts – Film Production. He works with film (Super8, 16mm, 35mm), analog video (VHS, Hi8) and stereoscopic video (red/cyan anaglyph). He uses his multiple processes to produce short films, music videos, audiovisual performances and video design for theater, dance and the music scene. His experimental films and videos, distributed by Vidéographe, Light Cone and Winnipeg Film Group, have been shown at numerous festivals. As video designer for several musicians, his audiovisual collaborations have been presented at a multitude of events (Canada, United States, France, Italy, Austria, Spain, England, Japan). He has presented his work internationally at La Maison du Québec in Saint-Malo (France), Space Cell Lab (South Korea), filmkoop wien (Austria), and locally at Université de Montréal, Concordia University and Journées de la Culture.
14
Jun
Hand processing – Chromaflex
Workshop - Experimental Cycle - Spring 2025
Date / Heure
14 June 2025
10 am - 5 pm
Lieu
Main Film bureau
2025 Rue Parthenais #301, Montréal, Quebec, H2K 3T2, Québec
With Théo Parent
Membre $150 | Non-membre $225
This workshop introduces participants step-by-step to a fun 16mm film processing technique: Chromaflex.
This method allows you to selectively control negative and positive images in color and black & white on the same strip of film. It also allows you to make these selection decisions in full light, with the images visible before your eyes. In addition to an interesting experimental film technique, this workshop is an excellent opportunity to learn in detail how color development works. By following this workshop, you’ll have no trouble developing 16 mm at home!
Please note that the workshop will be given in French, but questions may be asked in English. For more information, please contact us at: services@mainfilm.qc.ca
Théo Parent grew up and works in Montreal. During his studies at the Mel Hoppenheim Film School, he developed an interest in silver-based film practices, which he insists on keeping up to date. Motivated by the discovery of unique aesthetic processes, he practices experimental cinema and navigates exploratory approaches to fiction and documentary. Versatile, he has experience in cinematography and directing, as well as in production, sound design and various experimental practices, such as hand-developing film. His most recent film, 117/323, was presented at the 40th Rendez-vous Québec cinéma. In 2022, he received support from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Conseil des arts et lettres du Québec to make his first hybrid short film (fiction/experimental), entitled Les fougères prédatent les dinosaures.
7
May
Introduction to experimental cinema
Workshop - Experimental Cycle - Spring 2025
Date / Heure
7 May 2025
6 pm - 9 pm
Lieu
Main Film
2025 Rue Parthenais #301, Montréal, Quebec, H2K 3T2, Québec
With Guillaume Vallée (the mirage of ultra realistic hands, ULTRADREAM)
Unique rate 30$
Free of formal constraints and constantly evolving, experimental cinema can be difficult to define.
From the history of the genre to current practices, this theoretical and analytical workshop presents an in-depth portrait of creative trends in experimental cinema. A selection of films and videos by emerging and established artists will be presented, followed by a group discussion.
Please note that the workshop will be given in French, but questions may be asked in English. For any questions, please contact us at : services@mainfilm.qc.ca
Experimental filmmaker and video artist Guillaume Vallée graduated from Concordia University with a degree in animation and an MFA in Studio Arts – Film Production. He works with film (Super8, 16mm, 35mm), analog video (VHS, Hi8) and stereoscopic video (red/cyan anaglyph). His relationship with these media has developed through work on their materiality. Vallée’s work is essentially inspired by experimental animation and structural cinema, and her practice is based on a processual approach nourished by experience and the discoveries made through her formal research. His aim is to create a conceptual connection between content and material. In addition to making short films, visual albums and music videos, Vallée is a video designer for the music, dance and theater scenes. His audiovisual performances have been presented at numerous festivals in Canada, the U.S., France, Italy, Spain, the U.K., Japan and Austria. His experimental films and videos, distributed by Vidéographe, Light Cone, La Distributrice de films and Winnipeg Film Group, have been shown internationally at numerous festivals.
8
May
Introduction to Optical Printing
Workshop - Experimental Cycle - Spring 2025
Date / Heure
8 May 2025
6 pm - 9 pm
Lieu
Main Film bureau
2025 Rue Parthenais #301, Montréal, Quebec, H2K 3T2, Québec
With Erin Weisgerber
Member $30 | Non-member $50
Discover the coveted 16mm JK Optical Printer!
This theoretical workshop will introduce and demystify this machine beloved of experimental filmmakers: its history, what it’s used for, what you can do with it, examples of films that have used it, etc.
This course is accepted as a prerequisite for the Optical Printing workshop.
For more information, please contact us at: services@mainfilm.qc.ca
Erin Weisgerber is a Tiohtià:ke/Montreal-based artist who works with photochemical film to produce installations, performances and short films. She manipulates the photographic, chemical and material properties of film to transform the world framed by her camera, bringing about moving images that exist between figuration and abstraction, exterior vision and interior landscape. Weisgerber is a member of Double Negative Collective, a group of moving image artists dedicated to the creation and exhibition of experimental and avant-garde cinema and who maintain a self-managed artisanal film laboratory. Since 2019, she has been a member of Jerusalem in My Heart, an audiovisual performance project, with Lebanese producer and musician Radwan Ghazi Moumneh.
24
May
25
May
Optical Printing
Workshop - Experimental Cycle - Spring 2025
Date / Heure
24 May 2025 - 25 May 2025
10 am - 5 pm
Lieu
Main Film bureau
2025 Rue Parthenais #301, Montréal, Quebec, H2K 3T2, Québec
With Alexandre Larose
MANDATORY PREREQUISITE FOR THIS WORKSHOP (see below)
Member $240 | Non-member $310
In this hands-on workshop, participants learn how to operate the 16mm JK optical printer and the various techniques for creating special effects on film.
The images thus created will be developed by hand and screened, followed by a discussion.
MANDATORY PREREQUISITE FOR THIS WORKSHOP (one of the 3 options):
The workshop price includes film and developing chemicals.
Please note that the workshop will be given in French, but questions may be asked in English. For more information, please contact us at : services@mainfilm.qc.ca
“Traversed, precisely, by a particular form of porosity with the field of documentary, (Alexandre Larose’s work) constitutes both a sensitive and equipped investigation of the perceptual categories through which we apprehend reality, and a waking reverie on the labyrinths of memory. His career has thus led him to pay ever-greater attention to the forms of imprint elaborated by film, and the very notion of documentation – be it of a place, a situation, an architectural, familial or memorial configuration – is central to it, while remaining fundamentally informed by the technical specificities of the material he employs (…). The function of technique in his work is therefore decisive, and Larose himself readily refers to his films as projects prescribed by the instrument.”
-Éric Thouvenel, Débordements
6
Jun
7
Jun
Remix & image deterioration
Workshop - Experimental Cycle - Spring 2025
Date / Heure
6 June 2025 - 7 June 2025
9 am - 4 pm
Lieu
Main Film bureau
2025 Rue Parthenais #301, Montréal, Quebec, H2K 3T2, Québec
With Charles-André Coderre (Granular Film – Beirut, La noirceur souterraine des racines)
Member $240 | Non-member $310
During this workshop, you’ll be introduced to the different techniques used in the creation of an experimental work.
Discover and try out these processes, all part of the same artistic gesture, which give the medium a new meaning by questioning the cinematographic experience of filmmakers and viewers alike. The use of found footage, as well as chemical deterioration techniques and direct work on film, whether remixed, scratched, washed out, colorized or buried, have crossed the ages and will be presented through examples and film extracts.
We encourage you to bring your own equipment for experimentation.
For further information, please send an e-mail to: services@mainfilm.qc.ca
Charles-André Coderre lives and works in Montreal. He makes experimental short films (Granular Film – Beirut, La noirceur souterraine des racines) and also works on live 16 mm projections for several performances and music concerts (Jerusalem In My Heart [2014-2019], Fractures Chimiques). He is particularly interested in various photochemical image alteration techniques. His practice focuses on the performative, mechanical and contaminated dimensions of analog cinema. His latest 16 mm performance, Y’a Matière Au Pays des Éclairs, was presented at the last edition of RIDM (2024).