Ubu Films was formed in Sydney in mid-1965 by Albie Thoms, David Perry, Aggy Read and John Clark - the group adopted the name of Alfred Jarry’s main character (Pére Ubu) from his legendary 1896 satirical play Ubu Roi.Emerging from the restrictive conservatism of Australia’s post-war period, Sydney’s vibrant underground culture would provide the seeding ground for creative experiment - it was within this environment that four like-minded individuals would form one of this country’s most unique cultural partnerships.
This digital collection of selected 16mm films made by the Ubu Films group presents a unique opportunity to reconsider the wealth of invention that signifies one of the most important cultural periods in Australia. The Ubu Films group would take advantage of hiring vacant theatres, halls and cinemas for the purpose of screening new independent works. In a sense, Ubu’s film screenings became a form of social celebration amongst a young radical community which the films emanated from.
The films within this collection exemplify a period of unbridled creative experimentation that flourished during Ubu’s brief five year period preceding institutional control of the arts in Australia.
The three disc set begins appropriately with an introduction by Phillip Noyce – the internationally renowned film director who as a school student, was inspired by Ubu to take up filmmaking and became the first Manager of the Sydney Filmmakers Coop in 1970.
What the films stand for, what they represent, is almost as important as the works themselves - Ubu’s history is rich with an interconnecting tapestry .... Peter Mudie about UBU films - August 2011
Disc 1:
Blunderball (1966) 21 minutes
Man and His World (1966) 50 seconds.
Puncture (1966) 5 minutes.
Halftone (1966) 3.5 minutes.
Rita and Dundi (1966)
The Film (1966) 12 minutes.
Bluto (1967) 5 minutes.
Disc 2:
The Tribulations of Mr. Dupont Nomore (1967) 10 minutes.
Transition (1967) 1.5 minutes.
Super Block High (1967) 2 minutes.
Moon Virility (1967) 2 minutes.
Bolero (1967) 14 minutes.
Boobs a Lot (1968) 3 minutes.
Mad Mesh (1968) 3 minutes.
David Perry (1968) 4 minutes.
Tobias Icarus Age 4 (1968) 4 minutes.
A Sketch on Abigayl’s Belly (1968) 2 minutes.
Infinity Girl (1968) 4.5 minutes.
Album (1970) 5.5 minutes.
Disc 3:
Marinetti (1969) 85 minutes.