Matt McCormick's Virotonin Decision

NOTES FROM THE UNDERGROUND
The Great Experiment
Challenging cinematic convention, Portland's experimental filmmakers garner worldwide recognition.

by BRIAN LIBBY
243-2122 ext 355

From Europe to the Big Apple and back again, Portland's experimental filmmaking community is making noise far beyond the local clubs and warehouses from which it sprung.

This week, filmmakers Miranda July and Matt McCormick will arrive at the Rotterdam International Film Festival. "It's like the Sundance of Europe," says McCormick, "but they take more chances there." Known here for his Peripheral Produce showcases, McCormick will screen his Virotonin Decision, a winner at last year's New York Underground Film Festival, and Sincerely, Joe P. Bear.

In February comes a first-ever Peripheral Produce smackdown in New York City. As part of the Robert Beck Memorial Cinema series, the all-Portland lineup includes McCormick, Vanessa Renwick, Alain Le Tourneau, and of course Miranda July. "It's insane how much of a following Miranda has," says McCormick. "She's an international art star." At Rotterdam, July will debut The Swan Tool, a multimedia performance piece with composer Zac Love. Next she'll be featured at New York's Museum of Modern Art before appearing in Vienna, Munich and London. In March, July will premiere The Swan Tool in Portland for PICA.

"It's like jumping from the top of one building to another," says July, who also recently collaborated with director Wayne Wang and novelist Paul Auster on a new feature film. "I never know for sure if I'm going to land on the other side, but I don't want to stay put. And in some ways I don't think you ever really do land. I'm happy to spend my life in mid-air."

Meanwhile, here in Portland, the avant-garde haven Cinema Next Door has been reborn as Four Wall Cinema. Perched in the Oak Street Building in industrial Southeast Portland, Four Wall is a refuge for "work that defies categories, and themes that defy mainstream sensibilities," says filmmaker/owner Le Tourneau.

Four Wall Cinema debuts in February with filmmaker John Jost. Le Tourneau says screening Jost's work is an act of resistance to the marginalization of film that is difficult in form and content. "In terms of most experimental work," says Le Tourneau, "I sense a kind of smug, hip, ironic tone to everything. Jost is different. He's saying things that are very important."

During the weeks ahead, Four Wall will offer a variety of gems and curiosities. In March comes Wim Wenders' Alice in the Cities and a series featuring acclaimed video artist Peter Rose. April brings travelogue films from Benjamin Smoke director Jem Cohen. And in May comes Keep Me Busy from legendary photographer Robert Frank. "It's amazing how difficult it is to get this work shown," says Le Tourneau, "but I've had a small group of people who've inspired me to keep this going."

Of course, marginalized art battling the tyranny of popular taste is nothing new. But as Miranda July has shown, experimental fare can still get noticed. "I've lived on a promise and a handshake for so long," says July, "but I've never had any intention of doing anything else. My work is my life."