Does Analogue Film Practice still have a place within Higher Education in the Moving Image?
A Symposium and programme of related workshops to be held at:
UWE Bower Ashton, Bristol on Thursday 14th January 2027
For many years NAHEMI has proudly been at the forefront of preserving analogue film practice in its member institutions through schemes such as the Kodak National Student Commercials Competition. In its first Focus Session Cardiff University last year, NAHEMI members looked at the challenges and opportunities that AI brings to Film and Television production.
We now wish to broaden the debate around film-making and to pose a counterpoint in the form of physical and material-based moving image work and how this may still have a place in the modern film school.
This will be a day for NAHEMI’s academic and technical colleagues to explore and celebrate the enduring attraction of analogue film practice at a moment in time when all that is digital and artificial appears to be in the ascendancy.
A key theme of the day will be the de-mystifying of legacy equipment, techniques and processes and the training of educators.
Call for papers
The organisers would like to hear from anyone who would like to present a short paper (15 mins) in response to the question above and that might illustrate best practice, innovation or a novel approach to the inclusion of analogue (photochemical, tape based or other) moving image work in the filmmaking curriculum.
Please email your proposals to john.podpadec@uwe.ac.uk before 1st December 2026. We would especially like to hear from colleagues who have been exploring video-tape based techniques.
Register to come along
Please register your interest in attending by completing the following form REGISTER INTEREST HERE*
*Please note this event is for staff from NAHEMI member institutions only.
Programme for the Day (tbc)
09.30-10.30 Registration and coffee/pastries/chat
10.30-11.00 Introduction to the day
11.00-13.00 Presentations on the theme Analogue Film Practice in Contemporary Filmmaking Higher Education
13.00-14.00 Lunch and Informal Networking
14.00-17.00 Practical Workshops
The Practical Workshop programme is likely to include the following;
Loading and operating a range of 16mm and 35mm film cameras including Bolex, Aaton and Arriflex ST/SR3/35 iiC cameras.
Stop Motion Animation using a rostrum mounted Bolex with video-assist.
Hand drawn cell animation using clear leader and other Camera-Less approaches to moving image work.
Motion Picture photochemical processing using CaCenol and other sustainable approaches.
Tape based analogue experimental work, techniques and equipment.
