Microcinema: Animated Shorts by Helen Hill on 16 mm

The screening presents a selection of short 16mm animated films by Helen Hill, an experimental animator and social activist whose work blends puppetry, hand-drawn animation, found footage, and hand-processing techniques. Her celebrated shorts—including *Bohemian Town* (2004), *Madame Winger Makes a Film: A Survival Guide for the 21st Century* (2001), *Mouseholes* (1999), *Rain Dance* (1990), and *Scratch and Crow* (1995)—have been preserved by the Harvard Film Archive following Hill’s tragic death in 2007. The evening offers a rare opportunity to experience these restored works as they were originally presented, with all prints struck from the Harvard Film Archive’s preservation materials.

When: Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Showtimes: The screening begins at 7:00 PM and runs until approximately 10:00 PM.

Tickets: $10 to $20, available at the door or in advance via the event’s ticket link.

Lineup: The program includes *Bohemian Town* (2004), *Madame Winger Makes a Film: A Survival Guide for the 21st Century* (2001), *Mouseholes* (1999), *Rain Dance* (1990), *Scratch and Crow* (1995), and likely additional shorts from Hill’s filmography.

Run time: Approximately 3 hours, including intermission or introductions.

Ages: Not specified; likely suitable for general audiences, though experimental content may be best for older children and adults.

Venue: Rhizome DC, a community arts space.

Note: The screening is presented on 16mm film, courtesy of the Harvard Film Archive. Helen Hill’s 1995 film *Scratch and Crow* was added to the National Film Registry in 2009. Her self-published handbook *Recipes for Disaster*, which compiles hand-processing methods, remains a key resource for experimental filmmakers.