In 2023, 16mm – the original small gauge film – is celebrating 100 years as the format of
choice for artists and amateur filmmakers alike. This foundational workshop will provide a
thorough introduction to the 16mm format including camera loading and operation, film
stocks, exposure and various methods for processing, editing and projecting images,
situating these DIY practices within the context of contemporary handmade cinema
discourses. Working as a group and using spring drive cameras, and black and white film
material, participants will gain hand-on experience loading and exposing film, and will hand-
process reversal (positive) images using non-toxic, DIY chemistry. We will also discuss
potential post-production work flows, including the possibilities for digitization and/or cutting
and printing our physical materials by hand. By the end of the second day we will be able to
project the positive images we’ve made on 16mm film.