In an event best described as open mic night for filmmakers, Squeaky Wheel was alive Wednesday night with videos and shorts that ranged from bizarre to downright hilarious.
The Nov. 8 open screening was a part of a 20th Anniversary Celebration for Squeaky Wheel, a not-for-profit media arts center in Buffalo's theater district. The center screens independent films and offers workshops and resources for media artists.
Several local and regional filmmakers presented their works and engaged the audience in a question and answer session. Sam Floyd kicked off the event with a video and live poetry.
Director Sam Floyd kicked off the event, filming a sequence from the front car of a Metro Rail subway train. As the train emerges from underground, the images change to shots of birds flying, close-ups of eyes and a man sleeping. The visuals were accompanied by expressive, beat poetry readings from Floyd's book, "Perfect Words for Found Objects."
Floyd explained that he intended to convey the idea that "we come closest to God when we're dreaming," concentrating on the theme of ascendance during the intense reading.
An untitled film by Squeaky Wheel instructor Tammy Wetzel utilized the technique of hip-hop montage. Shots of lottery drawings and tumbling dice and clips from game shows like "The Price is Right" are rendered in black and white, edited and rapidly spliced. The result is a rhythmic and punctuated rush of images. The addition of '60s sci-fi sound effects make the piece exceptionally eerie and disorienting.
"I really enjoyed that one," said Max Turner, a 23-year-old sales associate from Cheektowaga. "It reminded me of 'Requiem for a Dream.'"
Artist Jacklyn Farris presented an extremely funny short video titled "Mate Selection," in which a very serious voice-over remarks on mammalian mating rituals while clips from "The Maury Povich Show" reveal people's wild reactions to paternity tests.
The mockumentary elucidates the spectacle of sex and culture in America and had the entire audience laughing.
The night ended with a speech from Squeaky Wheel Technical Director Brian Milbrand. Staying with the theme of anniversaries and birthdays, he shared comical anecdotes and personal greeting cards. An audience favorite was the classic, "Do you like me? Circle yes, no, or maybe," a card he'd received from an admirer in the third grade.
The event combined inventive works with an interactive format and a cozy, enjoyable atmosphere.
"I've never seen or experienced anything like this before," commented Jack Smith, a 23 year-old ITT student.
The 20th Anniversary Celebration continues throughout the coming week with events featuring the works of past Squeaky Wheel members and collaborators.
Film and video submissions are welcome for the open screenings, which are free and held monthly at Squeaky Wheel, 712 Main St. The next one will be on Friday, Dec. 8 and will play with the theme, "Holiday Dysfunction."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
