Clouds

Clouds are the apparent subject of this film, which contrasts the concepts of relative motion and absolute motion. The speed and direction of the car from which the film is shot, the spirally motion of the camera, the clouds and the stationary factory chimneys all combine to produce the illusion of space within the frame. Born in the USA, Jenny Okun studied at the Wimbledon College of Art and the Slade, London. Although primarily known as a photographer, she was closely involved with the LFMC in the 1970s where she made a number of films such as Fireworks, Clouds and Still Life (all on BFI Player) and also collaborated with Chris Welsby on films such as Seven Days.

Founded in 1966, the London Film-Makers’ Co-operative started life at Better Books, a counter-culture bookshop on Charing Cross Road, where a group led by poet Bob Cobbing and filmmakers Stephen Dwoskin and Jeff Keen met to screen films. Initially inspired by the activities of the New American Cinema Group in New York, the London Co-op grew into a pioneering organisation that incorporated a film workshop, cinema space and distribution office. During its four-decade history, the Co-op played a crucial role in establishing film as an art form in the UK and participated in a vibrant international film scene. This BFI Player collection brings together new scans of films distributed by and/or produced at the London Co-op.