The Microcinema Team curated seven programs for 2006 - each one an important showcase for contemporary, progressive, artistic, and culturally relevant short films and videos. Each program was curated to present a diverse and eclectic set of works in an intentional context. All of the shows are meant to challenge, intrigue, surprise, and, most importantly - to entertain. If our experiences over the last ten years hold true for this year, we know that you will love some of the works - and love some of the others a bit less. But we hope that you walk away from the shows with a better appreciation of the depth of creativity that exists in the moving images arts. This is what motivates us.
This year our judge, Addictive TV visited San Francisco to view over 100 moving image artists shorts and selected the three prize winners the following three prize winners, Kathy Huang for first prize, Signe Baumane for second and Lizzi Akana for third. Their films along with fourteen others were selected by Addictive TV to be included in this special program that will be presented at our awards screening in San Francisco as well as to microcinemas, festivals, museums and universities around the US, Europe, Asia, South America, Africa and the Middle East. This program, Independent Exposure 2006 - Addictive TV Best of 2006 Edition will also be made into a DVD that will be sold in our online DVD store and distributed by Microcinema International Distribution.
111 Minna Gallery is a dynamic ‘contemporary art salon’ that provides an arena for multi-dimensional artistic expression in a community atmosphere. The goal of the ‘gallery-as salon’ concept is to nurture and support a communal gathering of artists and a collaboration between diverse art forms. This goal is achieved through six-week rotations of visual art exhibitions curated by the staff combined with a variety of music and film events. ‘Minna’ is not only the name of the street on which the gallery is found but also translates from Japanese as "everybody," an all-inclusive term that symbolizes the embracing environment of the space. The gallery, which also offers two bars, is crafted in an eclectic, contemporary design with ample furniture inviting guests to leisurely relax and enjoy conversation among friends. The combination of art, music, film, dance and conversation found at 111 Minna Gallery creates a unique gathering place for a multi-sensory experience.
Artist and entrepreneur Eiming Jung opened 111 Minna Gallery in September 1993. The successful evolution of the gallery over the years has allowed for the opportunity to expand the space from its original 1,600 square feet to over 4,000 square feet. The new space has abundant natural light from nearly floor to ceiling windows that face bustling Second Street in the South of Market district in downtown San Francisco. Lighting designer Terry Ohm, of Impact Lighting, has created and installed a multi-use theatrical lighting design adaptable for gallery exhibits, installations and ambient event lighting. The gallery has also commissioned Bay Area bronze sculptor Jud Bergeron to craft a 25 foot steel and copper patinated bar.
