Firefly

John Porter | Canada | 1980 | 3' |

| IFFR 2007

John improvises a performance for the camera, spinning a bright, pinpoint light on a long cord, around himself in a variety of patterns, against a black background. A one-shot film, shot in one hour, at one frame per second. And with one-second time-exposures, the light streaks are multiplied and more complex by refracting in the lens. A Camera Dance, inspired by John’s earlier film Amusement Park (1978/79).

Also in this combined programme

Christmas Toy Lights Me

Small scale self-portrait made by the scanty light of a toy.
Short: Starting from Scratch
Rock Jam

An action painting made with a Super8 camera of large groups of visitors at different rock concerts.
Short: Starting from Scratch
In the Gutter

The world is small and frightening, seen from this lowest class.
Short: Starting from Scratch
Scanning 5

Performance in which John Porter, with the projector in his hand, provides a stunning surround-Super8 environment.
Short: Starting from Scratch
Amusement Park

Magnificent use of the time-lapse technique completes the transformation from fairground attractions to immaterial light objects. Uncomplicated zoomin
Short: Starting from Scratch
Toy Catalog 3

For many large children among the viewers, undoubtedly an unexpected sentimental journey. The screen fills up with piles and piles of mini-toys from t
Short: Starting from Scratch
Blade Sharpener

Made in a single shot from the other side of the road. The film maker respectfully portrays a knife & blade sharpener going from door to door.
Short: Starting from Scratch
Down on Me

A dance by the film maker and the camera: turning on a string.
Short: Starting from Scratch
Cinefuge 4&5

A dizzying centrifuge with the film maker as a stable axis.
Short: Starting from Scratch
Landscape

A small landscape painting with the still young film maker and his mother, calmly sketching on the edge of an agricultural area.
Short: Starting from Scratch
Santa Claus Parade

Toronto’s great annual Christmas Parade, seen from the end of the long and wide University Avenue. Filmed for eight hours at four frames a second.
Short: As Long As It Takes
Exams

A beautiful time-lapse registration of hundreds of tables in a large hall that is occupied in a brief time by an equal number of students.
Short: Starting from Scratch
Mother and Child

In a short time we see the tight bond visualised between mother and child.
Short: Starting from Scratch