Elsewhat

Canada’s National Film Board has helped create many wonderful films over its long history. In 2020 I hosted an event in collaboration with the NFB to show films and host a discussion about legendary animator Norman McLaren. I want to talk about one of his frequent collaborators, Evelyn Lambart. Specifically, I want to highlight her tremendous title cards and wonderful lettering.

The bulk of her films were created using stop motion of paper cut outs, laid out on a black table and filmed from the top. Her title cards were absolutely gorgeous—colourful, playful. Each title links to the films, which are mostly beautifully rendered versions of simple folk songs or fairy tales.

Lambart was born in Ottawa in 1914, and was active making films with the NFB from 1943 until 1977. Each of these title cards links to versions of the films you can watch for free.

A nice little companion to my post the other day about the book The Japanese House, friend of Elsewhat Sean sent along this music video from the band The Japanese House, whose band name was inspired by a Japanese-style tea house owned by Kate Winslet. The band and the book are both great.

This illusion is simple but satisfying.

View on YouTube →

Been listening to Braids new album Euphoric Recall on repeat the last few days.

Some great films from Mosflim, from filmmakers like Tarkovsky and Eisenstein are available completely for free on YouTube. Stalker, Solaris, and many more.

Via Kottke.

Once a year, the Bulgarian tradition of Kukeri unites a small village as residents wear intricate masks and costumes and dance at night. Killian Lassablière chronicles the practice in his short documentary.

Watch Here →

A recap of a chess game that used the most powerful chess engine available to always play the worst move it possibly could.

Watch Here →