Two cool shows at the PFA

The Pacific Film Archive in Berkeley has two-count’em-two fascinating programs of unusual, experimental and alternative animated films, including classic pre-psychedelia by Oskar Fischinger and new works as well. Shut off the TV and go see:

Tuesday, Sept. 1, ESSENTIAL VISUAL MUSIC; RARE CLASSICS includes: R-1 ein Formspiel (Oskar Fischinger c. 1926-33), Komposition in Blau (Fischinger, 1935), three Charles Dockum Mobilcolor films from 1952 and 1966, Muntz TV Commercial (Fischinger, 1952), Mood Contrasts (Mary Ellen Bute, 1953), Cibernetik 5.3 (John Stehura, 1960-65, screened digitally), Turn, Turn, Turn (Jud Yalkut, 1966), Single Wing Turquoise Bird Light Show Film (1971), Tanka (David Lebrun, 1976), Celebration (Jules Engel, 1978), 3 Arctic Flowers (Engel, 1978), Mobiles (Engel, 1978). 75-min, 35mm, /16mm, digital. 

Tuesday, Sept. 8 SPEECHLESS: RECENT EXPERIMENTAL ANIMATION: work by Martha Colburn, Lori Hiris, Ken Jacobs, Lewis Klahr, Kerry Laitala, Scott Stark, Jim Trainor, Fae Yamaguchi (U.S., 2006–2009, 72 mins) Kerry Laitala and Lori Hiris in person Eight vibrant and haunting artist-made films represent a range of avant-garde animation, from cutout collage and puppet animation to 3-D images and chalk drawings. 

Both shows start at 7:30pm, and admission is $5.50 for members, $9.50 for adults. For directions to the Pacific Film Archive and more info about these and other programs, visit their website.