On Films 1976-1998

The subject of this collection covers the work of the artist yann beauvais in roughly the last quarter of the 20th century. The years correspond both to his use of the physical medium of photochemical film and his role in the larger history of experimental film in Paris.

In the new century yann beauvais moved on both geographically from Paris and artistically into electronic media. But the importance of his activity when he was based in Paris both as an artist in Super 8 and 16mm film and as a champion of other filmmakers through his work as a critic, curator, distributor, and exhibitor, deserves specific attention. He recalled this period with characteristic modesty:

There have always been musicians' musicians so I thought maybe I was a filmmakers' filmmaker. I might never have public recognition but other filmmakers might recognize me and realize that, had I not been there, something would have been lacking.

The book has two parts:

Making Films (1976 - 1997) is a transcription of yann beauvais's spontaneous spoken commentary recorded in 2017 while viewing his film work. It was transcribed and then edited for coherence with his approval.

Articles on Film (1979 - 1998) is a translation of the complete text of Poussières d'image published in 1998 by Paris Expèrimental. Certain chapters were originally published separately in English and, in those cases, the original translator is credited. All of the others have been translated for the first time by this book's editor.