CHRISTMAS IN THE BUNKER

With the idea that many readers will be in bunker mode during the holidays, I have rounded up a variety of things that you can watch for free with an internet connection. Some of these were covered in previous dispatches, and some of them are new.

The best way to end 2020 is with a binge viewing (6:42 hours) of Ken Jacobs’ STAR SPANGLED TO DEATH. It is one of those films that everybody should see, but the running time has always been an obstacle for programming and sharing it. Jacobs just posted the entire thing on Vimeo so that everybody could experience it. The film is composed of 50 years of jaw-dropping found footage. The connective tissue between the various segments is 16mm footage of Jack Smith shot in the late 1950s, turning street corners into theatrical settings and inventing pop art. (If you’ve ever read about his influence on Andy Warhol, this is exhibit A)

Many film festivals have gone online. If you have a budget for tickets, Film at Lincoln Center is maintaining an online presence for most of their presentations. But for those on a budget, SLAMDANCE is currently offering free streaming passes. The festival doesn’t commence until February, but the free passes may not last. Claim yours now.

 

 

The Finnish National Opera and Ballet adapted Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte into Covid fan tutte. The plot involves a Wagnerian troupe that is stranded by the pandemic, so they improvise an opera. This was filmed under strict COVID guidelines, featuring name singers and is conducted by Essa Pekka Salonen.

Opera companies have been some of the most generous arts organizations when it comes to free streaming. Operavision has a free YouTube channel with years of offerings.

 

The Dutch National Opera and Ballet has posted full ballets and operas on YouTube including a full Wagner ring cycle with English subtitles. For people seeking an unusual workout, they have ballet barre routines that you can practice along with at home. These can be especially helpful if you are trying to stay fit in a small space.

 

If you’d rather spend your holidays touring art museums, Google has rounded up many of the best online collections in one place

 

Films for Action (A Library for Changing the World) offers documentaries and inspirational videos for expanding your consciousness. They bill themselves as the largest learning library for social change online. With sections like The Economics of Happiness, Personal Change is Good, Collective Organizing is Better, The Invention of the White Race, and The Martin Luther King Jr You Don’t See on TV, this is an excellent resource for teachers planning a class on current events, or writers seeking topics to explore.

 

A site called GalleriesNow offers a variety of virtual gallery tours, if you miss art galleries. If you have a favorite art gallery, be sure to check their website for current events. Many galleries are getting very creative about maintaining a presence during lockdowns.

 

Vimeo has a new channel of experimental film and found footage visual art

 

Freewaves features over 800 pieces of video art. Their roster isn’t filled with big names, but it’s a chance to discover new video artists from the comfort of your internet device. The site is set up to let you search by artist, title and tags.

 

And if you really need an antidote to holiday cheer, Vimeo currently has many performances by Reza Abdoh available to watch for free. If you’ve never heard of him, make a beeline for BOOGEYMAN.

 

 

HAPPY HORRORDAYS from Bunker Vision!