In Response: Natalie on Mekas

Through  a very detailed and well put-together presentation by Natalie, the class was introduced to Jonas Mekas. Mekas was a filmmaker whose works found form after he moved to New York City and purchased a Bolex 16mm film camera. Mekas developed a great interest in capturing documentary styled pieces using defiant amateurism. Showing great potential, Mekas burst out of the gate by first making a feature film. His works would continue to grow in complexity while maintaining his amateur style and "snapshot" philosophy of filmmaking. Mekas’ style became very influential, even inspiring artists like Andy Warhol to make films. Mekas makes films to this day, showing that the art of filmmaking is a lifelong practice.