Tribute to Experimental Filmmaker Benjamin Hayeem

Curated and presented by Chen Sheinberg

Benjamin Hayeem (1933-2004) was an Israeli-American experimental filmmaker, director, writer, and editor who created experimental films, fiction features, including the controversial The Black Banana (1976), documentaries, and educational films. Born in Bombay, India, he was part of avant-garde filmmaker Maya Deren's circle. Influenced by the montage principles of director Slavko Vorkapić, he applied them extensively in his work. He was a member of the Living Theatre and part of New York's bohemian art scene.

Program Length: 53 minutes

Papillote

Benjamin Hayeem | USA 1964 | 8 min. | 16mm

In this film, Benjamin Hayeem creates a surrealist fantasy using silent film conventions, slow motion, and stop-motion animation. The result is an anarchic, critical statement on American capitalism. Renowned American experimental filmmaker Gregory Markopoulos wrote: "The satirical and marvelous surprise of the festival was Benjamin Hayeem's film Papillote."

(Ann Arbor Film Festival catalogue)

Meshes of the Afternoon

Maya Deren, Alexander Hammid | USA 1943 | 14 min. | 16mm

Filmmaker Maya Deren, often referred to as "the mother of American avant-garde cinema," created this seminal poetic film. A surrealist work, using slow motion, jump cuts, and sophisticated montage to shift between disconnected spaces traversed by the protagonist. The film unfolds through the consciousness and desire of its main character, documenting events that could not occur in reality but are witnessed by her regardless. It may be described as an experimental film noir. It was made in Hollywood with Deren's husband, Alexander Hammid.

The Life and Death of 9413: A Hollywood Extra

Slavko Vorkapić, co-directed with Robert Florey | USA 1928 | 14 min. | 16mm

This macabre and cynical satire of Hollywood's dream machine was co-directed by experimental filmmaker Slavko Vorkapić, whose editing technique deeply influenced Benjamin Hayeem. The main character attempts to become an actor in Hollywood, only to lose his humanity—marked by the number 9413 which is printed on his face. The film was made on a budget of only $97 and shot by legendary cinematographer Gregg Toland (Citizen Kane) in one of his earliest projects. It was filmed in the directors' homes using miniatures, toy trains, paper boxes, and other makeshift props, with an expressionist approach to lighting. Promoted by Charlie Chaplin, it received unusually wide distribution for an experimental work and was screened in 700 theaters across the U.S.

Extreme Unction

Benjamin Hayeem | USA 1969 | 6.5 min. | Digital

In this film, Benjamin Hayeem applies the theoretical principles of montage and movement as developed by Slavko Vorkapić.

Flora

Benjamin Hayeem | USA 1965 | 6 min. | 35mm

As a woman prepares for a date, she frantically tries different outfits. The director constructs a rapid montage by cutting between the protagonist and a doll that moves its face. The film is part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York.