Lost Frames is a community-based initiative for viewing artists’ video in the Philippines. Through local events and collaborations with other institutions, it has consistently staged programs for artists whose works occupy the margins and interstices of the vast field of moving images. From its origins inside a small screening room in Cubao, Lost Frames has gathered more than 80 filmmakers, animators, designers, and visual artists through regular screenings held since 2015. Each screening event includes talks by artists and discussions among viewers and other participants. This format of presenting and discussing works highlights dialogue as a vital part of the viewing experience, which is geared towards developing a community where anyone can participate and put forward artistic, practical, or social concerns. From its initial attempts to future regular screenings, Lost Frames aims to adhere to this simple format, which is discovery through viewing, and understanding through discussions.
Lost Frames differ from other screening programs being a non-curatorial outfit, reaching out instead to other artists to share works that have, since their time of production, failed to sustain an audience. These are works that fall outside more conventional screening programs, have received limited gallery exposure, or are simply at their stage of finding viewership.
Some of Lost Frames’ notable screening events include collaborations with institutions like MCAD, in College of St. Benilde, Manila (2016); Gasworks London, UK (2017); The First Manila Biennale, Intramuros, Manila (2018); Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila (2018); and Unconfined Cinema, The Link, Makati (2020).
Lost Frames current member organizers include:
Poklong Aanding
Victor Balanon
Lena Cobangbang
Rico Entico
Cocoy Lumbao