Solstice School: Analogue Seas and Skies
4 day analogue film skills workshop 23-26 June 2025
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Analogue Seas and Skies: St Ives Film Solstice School:
Led by Joanna Mayes and James Holcombe Monday June 23rd – Thursday June 26th, 2025 + Sunday evening welcome meeting Price: £425 for 4 days 2 supported places for Cornwall artists @ £195 Second round closes on Friday 28th March 2025 Join us for a special four-day workshop in the inspiring surroundings of St. Ives, Cornwall, where we’ll explore the art and craft of experimental analogue filmmaking. This immersive opportunity takes place just after the Summer Solstice, with its long days and warmer evenings, offering a perfect moment to immerse ourselves in the interplay of light, nature, and film! St Ives Film is delighted to invite guest tutor James Holcombe of Erehwon Film to work alongside St Ives Film director Dr Joanna Mayes. James has an international reputation as an artist filmmaker and educator, having taught 16mm Bolex and experimental photochemical filmmaking to hundreds of individual filmmakers as well as to students at UK film and art schools. James also runs the independent film lab @erehwon_film. Dr Joanna Mayes is director of @stivesfilm and founder of @mayescreative. Joanna is an artist filmmaker and educator with a specialism in eco aware analogue filmmaking and experimental processing techniques. Joanna treats film as ‘site’, working to find ways to reduce the impact of her filmmaking practice, whilst supporting accessible home-based and DIY film making techniques, including low cost 8mm cameras and ways to enjoy working with expired film and using plants and berries for alternative film processing and tinting. This workshop will focus on playful and experimental 8mm and 16mm filmmaking techniques, using affordable and recycled materials without the need for a formal darkroom. We’ll be working at the renowned Porthmeor Studios, overlooking Porthmeor Beach, as we explore the dramatic contrasts of light across the St. Ives peninsula—from the lively surf and rock pools of Porthmeor to the serene waters of Porthgwidden, home to seals, and (if we’re lucky) dolphins and tuna! More About The Workshop We will consider the basics of artisanal 16mm and 8mm film production, learning from Joanna’s and James’ filmmaking practices, developed over the last 20 years, which incorporate a kitchen-friendly and eco-aware approach to working with photochemical film. Both artists will share ways in which you can source affordable and recycled film making materials, working without a formal darkroom and how to align our film making practice with contemporary climate and waste-aware concerns. Residents will come away with an awareness of the artisanal film production and ways in which to continue their practice in an affordable way. Participants will be encouraged to share skills and learn from each other. This opportunity will take a relaxed approach, giving plenty of time for conversation and the sharing of experiences of image-making and how this relates to the development of an photochemical moving image practice. The aim of the week is to develop a network of like-minded artists who can support each other's practices, and create spaces for sharing work more widely both online and in person through @stivesfilm and @mayescreative. Together We Will Enjoy:
Why Join? This relaxed and collaborative workshop is open to all skill levels—no prior experience or filmmaking equipment is needed (but please feel free to bring your own), and all shared film stock and digitisation is included, thanks to sponsorship from Kodak Film. Together, we’ll explore the creative possibilities of film, share skills, and connect with like-minded artists. The goal is to foster a supportive network and develop sustainable filmmaking practices that align with contemporary climate concerns. 📍 Location: Porthmeor Studios, St. Ives, Cornwall 📅 Dates: June 23rd to June 26th, 2025 + welcome evening on June 22nd 2025 Practicalities Price: £425 for 4 days 2 supported places for Cornwall artists @ £195 All filmmaking equipment is included (but please feel free to bring your own); workshop film stock and digitisation is included, thanks to sponsorship from Kodak Film. This opportunity does not include travel or accommodation, allowing participants to make their own choice about cost and location. We can recommend Tregenna Castle Hotel, which is within walking distance/short taxi ride to Porthmeor Studios and has well priced twin rooms - if you are interested in keeping costs down by sharing please let us know as we may be able to put you in touch with another participant of the same sex who would like to share a twin room. Or there is a range of accommodation available on booking sites, including affordable rooms through Air BnB. Early booking is advised. Click here for St Ives tourist information Find out more about the historic Porthmeor Studios here . |
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Only a few places left - apply now!
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