Mon, Dec 4 at 7:00 PM - Sat, Dec 9 at 9:00 PM PST
The Clinton Street Theater
2522 Southeast Clinton Street
Portland, OR 97202
Maestros of the avant-garde and born in the same Bronx hospital as fellow queer hunk Tab Hunter, twin brothers George & Mike Kuchar created entire worlds in Super 8 and 16mm. Exploring themes of sexuality, identity, and everyday life; they had a distinct style that combined elements of kitsch and surrealism while casting friends and fellow misanthropes as actors.
Their films are often characterized by low budgets, camp aesthetics, and a unique blend of Sirkian melodrama and bizarre comedy. Their work is considered a significant part of the history of underground and experimental cinema, serving as an inspiration to the likes of John Waters, Todd Solondz, Greg Araki, and David Lynch.
While their films may not have achieved mainstream recognition, they were and are a significant influence on the world of independent and experimental cinema, both having taught at the San Francisco Art Institute for decades. Their subversive, spontaneous, freely creative, and DIY or fuck it approach to filmmaking continues to inspire filmmakers who appreciate the unconventional and truly unique.
George passed in 2011, but Mike is still with us, continuing to create and teach. We’re proud to present a selection of their works once again at the Clinton Street Theater primarily on glorious 16mm.
Monday, December 4, 2023
IT CAME FROM KUCHAR
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
HOLD ME WHILE IM NAKED, 16mm
SINS OF THE FLESHAPOIDS
Thursday, December 7, 2023
ASCENSION OF THE DEMONOIDS, 16mm
THE SUNSHINE SISTERS, 16mm
Friday, December 8, 2023
THE DEVIL’S CLEAVAGE, 16mm
Saturday, December 9, 2023
DEATH QUEST OF THE JU-JU CULTS
CORRUPTION OF THE DAMNED, 16mm
“Douglas Sirk tells us, ‘Cinema is blood, tears, violence, hate, death, and love.’; Kuchar reminds us that cinema, like life, is also bedpans, earwax, sleazy fantasy, ineptness, compromise, and laughter.”
-Chuck Kleinhans, Film Center program
Poster art by Mara Des Lauriers