Even though the use of mobile phones for still photography is Gaining more widespread acceptance, more and more cell phones, PDA's and handheld devices are being equipped with video capabilities. What then, are the potentials of the handheld device as a cinematic tool for expression, activism, and experimentation?
To paraphrase Antin, what are the distinctive qualities of Mobile Video, and how do narratives from this technological set differ from its predecessors? Does the intimacy and mobility of the video-enabled cell phone create a change in perspective? Does it represent a culture of universal surveillance where there is a universal intimacy but a complete lack of private space? How does the mobile perspective shift our perception in the way the mediated image of the cellular/network individual is represented? Does its low-resolution somehow challenge the aesthetics, 'truthfulness', or technofetishism of the increasingly filmic nature of video? These are some of the questions that Mobile Exposure hopes to address.
CONCEPT
Mobile Exposure is looking for works that address mobile culture or uses mobile/handheld devices. Our criteria are very broad; reflect on the mobile and locative through the medium or the concept.
CALL FOR WORKS
The Mobile Exposure handheld video program is an exploration of the potentials of mobile video and culture. Practitioners are invited to submit all lengths of work, although the focus will be on short works (less than 15 minutes in length).
WHAT WE WANT:
Please send us your video work on CD or DVD, readable on Mac or PC.
Initially, the video will NOT be shown on cell phones, but in the cinema. Therefore, send any format up to 720x480 which can be translated for video exhibition.
We are looking for works made using cell phones, obsolete video cameras, wristcams, childrens‚ NON-(vhs/dv/hi-8) video cameras, PDAs, and even small cameras that allow mpg. Please do not send any material using conventional video cameras unless it specifically relates to mobile culture.
VENUES:
Mobile Exposure will be a traveling theatrical festival which will be released later as a Microcinema DVD.
CALL FOR ESSAYS/CRITICAL WORKS
Along with the video program Microcinema invites scholars, writers, and curators for their comments upon the role mobile cinematography will have in the ongoing evolution of video, as well as the cultural effects that the handheld perspective might shift mediated culture from a critical perspective. Over 1000 words preferred; images are also encouraged, and text format in plain text, Rich Text Format, MS Word, or Word Perfect 9 or less, MLA format. Essays will be considered for inclusion in the exhibition catalogue as well as consideration for publication in Intelligent Agent Magazine.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
A brief description of the work(s) of up to 150 words and a short biography of up to 50 words maximum is also requested. Please submit work in DV, VHS, Quicktime, AVI, MPG, Flash or other native format (if available). Please keep in mind that it is our intent to try to show these works in theatrical and mobile settings, with the theatrical setting being the taking priority. We will try to handle all format conversion, but any assistance on the part of the artist (multiple formats) is helpful.
Still .jpeg or .gif (PC formatted) should be included on a CD.
Deadlines:
Dec.15. No entry fee. Early submissions will be reviewed at the same time as other submissions.
Please mail all submissions to:
Mobile Exposure
c/o Microcinema International
1528 Sul Ross
Houston, TX 77006
Please address all inquiries to:
Patrick Lichty
voyd@voyd.com
TERMS
Upon acceptance, practitioners will be contacted by Microcinema International regarding the exposure of works through exhibition, online media, screenings, promotional materials, and on print media (prints/catalogues) for gallery showings. Selected works will be considered for inclusion on a DVD for distribution through Microcinema International's Blackchair DVD Collection, and may be featured on the Microcinema.com website.
About Patrick Lichty
Lichty is an artist, scholar, and curator in New Media and technological arts, and is noted for his expertise in arts using mobile technologies. He is Editor-in-Chief of Intelligent Agent Magazine.
About Microcinema International
Microcinema's mission is to curate, exhibit, promote, and distribute innovative international moving image artists whose deeply personal and culturally relevant works are typically marginalized by the mainstream entertainment industry.
Microcinema's Independent Exposure is a touring screening program of independent films, videos, and digital art that has been in existence since 1996. Independent Exposure is screened worldwide at various microcinemas and alternative venues and festivals around the world. Microcinema has presented the short film, video and digital works of over 1200 artists in 43 countries plus Palestine and Antarctica.
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