About

‘Rainbow Diaries’ includes a selection of films that use abstract forms of filmmaking to experientially record everyday interactions and exchanges. From animated visual diaries to daily practices in experimental film and camera drawing, the featured films serve as both a record and a reflection of the often unseen moments that make up the broader experiences of living.

Please note: Patrons, especially those sensitive to flickering and strobe light sources, are advised that some of these films contain flashing light effects.

Notebook 1962

Similar to jotting down observations from a day or a favourite quote collected from an author, Marie Menken’s Notebook is a filmic catalogue of delights. Leaves drooping heavy with perfect raindrops, papercut animation experiments, a twinkling scene of starry lights, wild light scribblings the filmmaker describes as “night writing” bouncing across the screen.

11 minutes | All Ages

Rainbow Diary 1984

Hand-drawn directly onto 16mm film, this animation is a 'diary' of daily drawing-on-film practice by Ivor Cantrill over a period of 18 months. Drawing style ranges from bold geometric patterns, to a delicate calligraphy.

17 minutes | All Ages

Notes on the Circus 1966

Jonas Mekas’s impressions of a three ringed circus the ‘Ringling Bros.’. Filmed across three performances, the images are sped up, superimposed, and edited for both lingering shots or fast paced and daring motion. The filming technique conjures the feeling of a performance remembered, as the viewer catches glimpses of costumes sparkling in the spotlight, trapeze artists gliding through the air and a ring of fire.

13 minutes | All Ages

Endangered 1988

“…Endangered is a compelling expression of the unique power of celluloid and the filmmaking process. Hammer does not hide behind the process of filmmaking – in Endangered we see her making the film. In her hands, the transformation of film into a poetic and avant garde art form comes about through the direct manipulation of celluloid.” John Hanhardt, Biennial Exhibition Catalogue, Whitney Museum of American Art, 1989.

18 minutes | All Ages