Gay filmmaker George Kuchar, a pioneer of experimental and independent cinema since the 1950s, influenced generations of filmmakers, including the campy great John Waters. Now Kuchar gives Atlanta film buffs and newcomers alike the opportunity to experience the films that pushed the boundaries of campy hilarity and psychological complexity, as well as meet him in person.
Kuchar is scheduled to attend part of the most recent iteration of the Film Love series at Emory University and Eyedrum Gallery on March 18, 20, and 21. The series is devoted entirely to Kuchar’s work.
Film Love creator Andy Ditzler is excited to bring Kuchar’s films to Atlanta, as well as the filmmaker himself for the last two days of the series.
“Be ready for anything with George Kuchar,” Ditzler says. “You’ll see campy outrageousness, and you’ll also see some pretty wild stuff onscreen, especially for that time period.”
Kuchar started his career making homemade films with his twin brother Mike. He followed up with classics like 1965’s “Hold Me While I’m Naked,” which many consider his masterpiece. In it, Kuchar plays a director who enjoys filming nude scenes more than his star is comfortable with. “Naked” is among the films screening the final night of the series, along with other early works completed both solo and with his brother.
In the mid-1980s, Kuchar began creating video diaries, filming intimate and mundane moments in his life, accompanied with the filmmaker’s insightfully witty commentary. The diaries are the focus of the series’ first event, hosted by film scholar Gene Youngblood.
Ditzler says that his aim for the film series is to find new audiences for the works of a master.
“I hope that first and foremost, people enjoy [the films] and discover what a great history this sort of experimental and underground cinema movement represents,” he says.
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