โFilm curators definitely have the challenge of [their mediumโs] temporal nature. With two dimensional objects, you can easily look at them at once and figure out [how to] arrange them. But when it comes to working with a time-based medium, you really have to watch itโฆand maybe multiple times to understand how the piece works.โ โ Leslie Raymond, Ann Arbor Film Festival
At 60 years old, the Ann Arbor Film Festival (AAFF) is the longest-running independent and experimental film festival in North America. Its director, Leslie Raymond, doesnโt just think about curating the best selection of experimental films each year. She also considers how the films fit into the festivalโs rich legacy and Ann Arborโs own cultural standing. (Itโs been called the โBerkeley of the East.โ)
It was exciting to learn about the ways film curation differs from other forms of curation and how the AAFF team turns 2,700 submissions into a tight, six-day lineup that surprises and delights audiences.
Highlights, inspiration and key learnings:
- Whatโs so cool about AAFF
- The Ann Arbor scene and techno music
- What does avant-garde film even mean these days
- How they decide what makes it into the festival
- How filmmakers can get a curatorโs attention
- Conversation and dialogue as part of the curatorial process
- Whatโs unique about film curators
- How roles as an artist and educator intersect with being a curator
- Why itโs sometimes taboo for a curator to put their voice in the mix
- How the films fit together as a body of work
- What AAFF teaches new film reviewers
- Whether Leslie still watches movies for fun
- Leslieโs culture picks
๐ Say "hi" to Leslie.
๐ Browse this Storyboard to get the episode, plus Leslieโs favorite book, movie, TV show, and podcast.
โ This podcast was created by Flipboard, the popular social magazine, where enthusiasts are curating stories they recommend across thousands of interests. Learn more.
