SFAI (Art Institutionalized) (1980)

This film humorously explores the world of film studies in art schools and colleges. It examines the difficulties faced by both instructors and students through a combination of music and conversation. The soundtrack blends Ballet Mechanique's score with recordings of film students discussing their frustrations with grades and school policies while experimenting with recording equipment. Visually, the movie presents a modern mechanical ballet, where the instructor (also the director) acts as both performer and director on a dada-inspired chessboard symbolizing the complexities of education. The central theme is the struggle to communicate technical information in a world becoming increasingly automated, shown through the rhythmic ticking of an intervalometer capturing each frame. This blend of comedy and reflection offers a thoughtful look at the challenges of film education today.