Francis Lee

Ch'an

1941 was Francis Lee's first film; CH'AN his last. In between, he became an expert Sumi-e watercolorist and here he combines eloquent ink paintings with masterful animation methods. This film moves through mysterious shapes, takes the viewer on an explosive meditative journey across the imaginary landscapes of his creations.

World War II and Me

In 1976, Francis Lee edited footage he shot during the years 1941 to 1945 while an Army combat motion picture cameraman. A pacifist and painter living on New York City's East 10th Street before World War II, Lee initially requested classification as a conscientious objector. Realizing WWII was a war against racism, fascism and totalitarianism, he reconsidered, was classified 1-A and enlisted as an Army cameraman.

Film-Makers' Showcase

Made for the famous New York "Film-Makers' Showcase" screenings at the Gramercy Arts Theatre (now defunct). Features clips from Cooperative releases, production shots of film-makers, plus animation.

PM Picnic

Animated theatrical liquor advertisement for Pleasant Moments Whiskey featuring all the animals in the countryside going to a picnic.

Idyll

Short film by Francis Lee.

Le Bijou

Filmmaker Francis Lee described his impulse to create this stop-motion film short: "When I made this film I had some feelings about the trials and tribulations of the poet in our society."

1941

In December, 1941, using music by Stravinsky, this film provides a reaction to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. An egg is smashed by a hammer; red color with white and then blue dominates the frame. Blue paint runs; small bulbs float. The dark colors spread. White, red, blue, and black dominate the frame. Then comes fire. The bulbs burn and break. A broken bulb's filaments are exposed.

1941

In December, 1941, using music by Stravinsky, this film provides a reaction to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. An egg is smashed by a hammer; red color with white and then blue dominates the frame. Blue paint runs; small bulbs float. The dark colors spread. White, red, blue, and black dominate the frame. Then comes fire. The bulbs burn and break. A broken bulb's filaments are exposed.