MIKE KUCHAR (1977)
This program celebrates the one and only Mike Kuchar! Beloved for the films he made in tandem with twin brother George, as well as for his own over-the-top underground masterpieces, Mike is a living legend, whose work from the 1960s to the present day is a crucial part of our history, our collections, and our programming at Anthology. Born and raised in the Bronx, Mike has been based in the Bay Area for many years now, where he's continued to make work both on his own and with the generations of students he's taught. This program comprises works from throughout his career, including the early 8mm work THE CONFESSIONS OF BABETTE (1963), the rarely-screened 16mm FRAGMENTS (1967), the recently restored DEATH QUEST OF THE JU-JU CULTS (1976), and the brand-new BEYOND THE EDGE OF FOREVER (2025). Special thanks to Mike Kuchar and Michelle Silva (Kuchar Brothers Trust). THE CONFESSIONS OF BABETTE (1963, 15 min, 8mm-to-16mm. Preserved by Anthology Film Archives with support from the National Film Preservation Foundation.) An early masterpiece by Mike Kuchar in which Babette tells all, leaving no turgid stone unturned. FRAGMENTS (1967, 10 min, 16mm) A personal 16mm favorite of the filmmaker! DEATH QUEST OF THE JU-JU CULTS 1976, 30 min, 16mm-to-digital. Restoration by the Kuchar Brothers Trust, Anthology Film Archives, and Francois Ghebaly Gallery. Digital Remastering by FotoKem. Enter a shimmering forest and encounter the Pot Boiling turbulence of pre-history tribes in conflict. See sacrificial virgins, volcanoes, knife fights, spaceships… It's all in this black and white saga of pure escapement photographed amid upper New York's muddy river region one fine summer day back when the world was young in 1976." –Mike Kuchar BEYOND THE EDGE OF FOREVER (2025, 8.5 min, digital) "Is a person's soul 'real' in the 'material' world? … Find out!" –Mike Kuchar