52 Films (2015)

The Internet, especially YouTube, became my primary source of inspiration. Initially exploring diverse content – from vintage musical performances to historical interviews and practical how-to videos – I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume and variety of information available. The quality of images and subjects astonished me, leading me to believe filmmaking itself was obsolete; anything was possible through borrowing and recontextualization. This process became intensely absorbing, resulting in a weekly film. I could explore ethnographic themes, reimagine existing works, or create entirely new concepts – it was incredibly freeing. The culmination of this period is 52 Films. (James Benning)