Past Workshop Descriptions

Mordançage on 16mm Film

NOTE: It is recommended that participants wear a mask for all in-person workshops.

Mordançage is an obscure darkroom technique developed in the 1970’s by French photographer Jean-Pierre Sudre, which evolved from the 19th century process of bleach-etching. In this workshop we will introduce participants to the fundamentals of mordançage and how it can be applied to 16mm moving image film. A copper-based bleach is used to lift emulsion off the film, creating eerie bubbles, veils and textures. We will discuss the components of the chemistry, as well as the steps of developing and bleaching as they apply to both black and white and colour film. Participants will shoot colour film on a Bolex camera, develop it and treat it with mordançage. We will also experiment with black and white found footage, have free time to explore the nuances of this haunting process and end the day by screening our films.

This workshop includes all film, darkroom chemistry, and supplies for use during the workshop. The Camera Theory workshop is recommended as a prerequisite. This workshop is recommended as a companion to the Bolex, Arri SRII 16mm and Aaton XTR Prod Super 16mm Cameras, Darkroom Play with 16mm Colour Film, Hand Processing Black and White Film and Hand Processing Colour Film workshops.

Past Instructor: Ella Morton
Location: In Person
Category: Creative Practises
Maximum Capacity: 6
8 hours of instruction $150 /member$175 /nonmember

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