Bill Stamets Collection, 1959-1995
Collection Identifier: C.2005-08
Repository
CFA
CFA
Extent of collection
9 reels of 16mm film totaling 8,101 feet; 248 reels of Super 8mm film totaling approximately 53,101 feet; 9 U-matic videocassettes
9 reels of 16mm film totaling 8,101 feet; 248 reels of Super 8mm film totaling approximately 53,101 feet; 9 U-matic videocassettes
Inclusive Dates
1959 - 1995
1959 - 1995
Bulk Dates
1959 - 1995
1959 - 1995
Abstract
The films in this collection were made and collected by Chicago area film critic and filmmaker Bill Stamets. The bulk of the collection consists of Super 8 films and outtakes made by Stamets in the 1970s and 1980s. They depict political events primarily in the city of Chicago, including former Chicago Mayor Harold Washington's two election campaigns, inaugurations, and time in office; numerous street protests and marches; and cultural festivals around the city. Also in the collection are nine 16mm film prints consisting of 3 films made by Chicago filmmaker Tom Palazzolo and 6 films by Stan Brakhage.
The films in this collection were made and collected by Chicago area film critic and filmmaker Bill Stamets. The bulk of the collection consists of Super 8 films and outtakes made by Stamets in the 1970s and 1980s. They depict political events primarily in the city of Chicago, including former Chicago Mayor Harold Washington's two election campaigns, inaugurations, and time in office; numerous street protests and marches; and cultural festivals around the city. Also in the collection are nine 16mm film prints consisting of 3 films made by Chicago filmmaker Tom Palazzolo and 6 films by Stan Brakhage.
Description
The Bill Stamets Collection consists primarily of Super 8 footage shot by Stamets of life in Chicago in the 1970s, '80s, and '90s. Many of the films depict political figures of the time such as former Chicago mayors Richard J. Daley and Harold Washington, including the latter's two election campaigns, inaugurations, and time in office. Also shown are numerous street protests, marches, and cultural festivals like Bluesfest and Taste of Chicago. Much of the material appears to be compiled outtakes.
Also in the collection are nine 16mm prints of experimental films collected by Stamets. The prints are former distribution prints and as such reflect the wear and tear from public screenings. Additionally, a number are faded red due to acetate deterioration. The films contain works by two artists: Tom Palazzolo and Stan Brakhage. The works by Palazzolo are HEY GIRLS (with Heather McAdams), JERRY'S, and ENJOY YOURSELF: IT'S LATER THAN YOU THINK. The Brakhage films are WINDOW WATER BABY MOVING, DEUS EX, and the four-part SCENES FROM UNDER CHILDHOOD.
The Bill Stamets Collection consists primarily of Super 8 footage shot by Stamets of life in Chicago in the 1970s, '80s, and '90s. Many of the films depict political figures of the time such as former Chicago mayors Richard J. Daley and Harold Washington, including the latter's two election campaigns, inaugurations, and time in office. Also shown are numerous street protests, marches, and cultural festivals like Bluesfest and Taste of Chicago. Much of the material appears to be compiled outtakes.
Also in the collection are nine 16mm prints of experimental films collected by Stamets. The prints are former distribution prints and as such reflect the wear and tear from public screenings. Additionally, a number are faded red due to acetate deterioration. The films contain works by two artists: Tom Palazzolo and Stan Brakhage. The works by Palazzolo are HEY GIRLS (with Heather McAdams), JERRY'S, and ENJOY YOURSELF: IT'S LATER THAN YOU THINK. The Brakhage films are WINDOW WATER BABY MOVING, DEUS EX, and the four-part SCENES FROM UNDER CHILDHOOD.
Creator
Stamets, Bill (created by)
Bill Stamets is a Chicago area freelance writer, photographer, and small gauge filmmaker. His writings have appeared in the READER, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, IN THESE TIMES and the chapter on film in ART IN CHICAGO: 1945-1995. Films by Stamets include NOVO DEXTRO: PURITY AND DANGER, IOWA AND ITS PRESIDENTS, and PRESIDENTIAL APPEARANCES: A CAMPAIGN TRAVELOGUE.
Bill Stamets is a Chicago area freelance writer, photographer, and small gauge filmmaker. His writings have appeared in the READER, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, IN THESE TIMES and the chapter on film in ART IN CHICAGO: 1945-1995. Films by Stamets include NOVO DEXTRO: PURITY AND DANGER, IOWA AND ITS PRESIDENTS, and PRESIDENTIAL APPEARANCES: A CAMPAIGN TRAVELOGUE.
Custodial History
The nine 16mm films were collected by Bill Stamets from a variety of sources including from experimental film distributors. Stamets' own films were kept at his home until he donated them to CFA in 2014.
The nine 16mm films were collected by Bill Stamets from a variety of sources including from experimental film distributors. Stamets' own films were kept at his home until he donated them to CFA in 2014.
Language of Materials
English
English
Access Restrictions
This collection is open to on-site access. Appointments must be made with Chicago Film Archives.
This collection is open to on-site access. Appointments must be made with Chicago Film Archives.
Use Restrictions
CFA holds a one-half joint tenancy interest with the filmmaker in the copyright of the materials.
CFA holds a one-half joint tenancy interest with the filmmaker in the copyright of the materials.