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“History consists of a series of accumulated imaginative inventions.” (Voltaire)

This intensive seminar will explore the creative use of archival materials for documentary art. Over the course of three days, participants will learn from seasoned guest speakers — archivists, archival researchers, nonfiction filmmakers, visual artists and writers — as well as complete creative exercises in archival storytelling. Produced by UnionDocs in partnership with Mathilde Walker-Billaud and filmmaker Penny Lane, this intensive seminar will deliver both practical advice and creative inspiration to filmmakers, artists and storytellers of all kinds interested in delving into the world of archival research as part of their own creative process.

Topics will include: how to locate archival material and work effectively with archivists; understanding fair use and other copyright issues; ethical, historiographic and creative problems related to appropriation and transformation of “found” material; finding a personal and meaningful form of reporting when dealing with a trove of information; and creative strategies allowing the archival research process to inspire new work. The goal of the workshop is to inspire and encourage artists of all kinds to better benefit from the rich shared history found inarchives and databases everywhere.

Lead by filmmaker Penny Lane. Guest instructors include author Luc Sante, researcher Rosemary Rotondi (Citzenfour, Teenage), filmmaker David France (Dir., How to Survive a Plague) and Alison S. M. Kobayashi who will explore the process of working creatively with historical and found materials.