Victoria's Antimatter [media art] festival is set to showcase over 120 experimental films from more than 30 countries, with many world, North American, and Canadian premieres. The 11-day event, running from Oct. 17-27, will offer both in-person and online screenings, as well as free public installations.
Festival curator Deborah de Boer emphasizes the event's unique position in bridging experimental film and the visual art world.
"We've never supported the false dichotomy between experimental film and the visual artworld," de Boer said in a news release.
The festival will feature the return of Automat, a series of commissioned self-portraits by participating filmmakers, providing insight into their creative processes. Public installations by artists including Ghislan Sutherland-Timms and Laura Kraning will be on display at various locations throughout Victoria. The screenings will be held at Deluge Contemporary Art, 636 Yates St.
Festival director Todd Eacrett notes the number of participating artists planning to attend this year is "gratifying".
“While the post-pandemic landscape is still shifting, we’re excited about the return of filmmaker attendees and in-person audiences while maintaining global connectivity and continually building new audiences through our online programming."
The event promises opportunities for audience engagement with attending filmmakers through introductions, Q&A sessions, and informal gatherings.
Advance tickets for screenings are available on the Antimatter website: antimatter.ca, with installations and online programs offered free or by donation.
