From Amateur Beginnings to Renowned Film Society: Unveiling the Fascinating History of the McMaster Film Board

The McMaster Film Board, a pioneering film society based in McMaster University, has been at the forefront of promoting cinema and nurturing aspiring filmmakers since its inception. With a rich and captivating history spanning several decades, the McMaster Film Board has become an influential institution within the film community, fostering creativity, providing valuable resources, and creating a platform for cinematic expression.

Early Years (1966-1975)

The McMaster Film Board traces its roots back to 1966 when a group of film enthusiasts came together to establish a film appreciation society on campus. These dedicated individuals held regular screenings of classic films, organizing film festivals, hosting events, and engaging in lively discussions. Despite limited resources and a small initial membership, the Film Board soon gained momentum and received widespread recognition for their dedication to promoting the art of filmmaking.

During the early years, the McMaster Film Board primarily relied on 16mm projectors to showcase films, which required meticulous handling and maintenance. The members took great pride in their skill and precision in handling these delicate reels, ensuring each screening was a seamless and immersive experience for the audience.

Hamilton Babylon: A History of the McMaster Film Board

by Denise Jolley (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8444 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	280 pages

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Growth and Expansion (1976-1990)

By the late 1970s, the McMaster Film Board had transformed into a well-established film society, attracting a growing number of film enthusiasts to its screenings and events. With increased membership and support from the university, the organization flourished, embracing the evolving landscape of cinema and expanding its reach.

The of VHS technology in the early 1980s revolutionized film distribution and accessibility. The McMaster Film Board seized this opportunity to broaden its film library, transforming the way films were curated and exhibited. The organization began acquiring a diverse range of films, spanning genres, cultures, and languages, allowing members to explore the world of cinema like never before.

Throughout this period, the McMaster Film Board actively collaborated with other film societies, both within Canada and internationally. This exchange of ideas and experiences fostered a vibrant community of filmmakers and film enthusiasts, establishing the McMaster Film Board as a hub for cinematic exploration and dialogue.

The Digital Revolution and Beyond (1991-Present)

The advent of digital technology in the early 1990s brought about a significant transformation in the film industry, opening new avenues for filmmakers and film societies alike. The McMaster Film Board readily embraced this digital revolution, equipping itself with state-of-the-art projection systems, editing software, and other filmmaking tools.

The organization's commitment to promoting student filmmaking also flourished during this period. The McMaster Film Board initiated workshops, mentorship programs, and grant opportunities, empowering aspiring filmmakers to experiment, learn, and create. Many renowned filmmakers and industry professionals credit the McMaster Film Board as a pivotal force in their artistic journey.

Notable Contributions and Achievements

Over the years, the McMaster Film Board has left an indelible mark on the film community, both locally and globally. The organization's film festivals, featuring thought-provoking themes and curated selections, have attracted cinephiles from across the country and beyond.

Moreover, the McMaster Film Board has consistently supported and showcased student films, providing emerging talent with a platform to express their creativity. Several award-winning films have emerged from within the McMaster University community, further solidifying the organization's reputation as a breeding ground for cinematic excellence.

The McMaster Film Board's journey from humble beginnings to its present-day legacy has been nothing short of remarkable. The organization's unwavering dedication to promoting cinema, nurturing talent, and fostering a love for film among its members has made it a distinguished entity within the film community.

As the McMaster Film Board continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of filmmaking and distribution, its commitment to the art form remains unwavering. With passionate members, diverse programming, and a dedication to supporting emerging talent, the McMaster Film Board is poised to shape the future of cinema for years to come.

Alt attribute: McMaster Film Board - A Pioneering Film Society and Promoter of Cinema since 1966

Hamilton Babylon: A History of the McMaster Film Board

by Denise Jolley (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8444 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	280 pages

FREE

Founded in 1966 at McMaster University by avant-garde filmmaker John Hofsess and future frat-comedy innovator Ivan Reitman, the McMaster Film Board was a milestone in the development of Canada’s commercial and experimental film communities. McMaster’s student film society quickly became the site of art filmmaking and an incubator for some of the country’s most famous commercial talent – as the well as the birthplace of the first Canadian film to lead to obscenity charges, Hofsess’s Columbus of Sex.

In Hamilton Babylon, Stephen Broomer traces the history of the MFB from its birth as an organization for producing and exhibiting avant-garde films, through its transformation into a commercial-industrial enterprise, and into its final decline as a show business management style suppressed many of its voices. The first book to highlight the work of Hofsess, an innovative filmmaker whose critical role in the MFB has been almost entirely eclipsed by Reitman’s legend, Hamilton Babylon is a fascinating study of the tension between art and business in the growth of the Canadian film industry.