Each month, we are featuring interviews with the volunteer staff that make ATA possible, recognizing their work at ATA and their contribution to our vibrant artistic community.
Here are the interviews with our volunteers Tessa Siddle and Bruce Landick.
TESSA SIDDLE
When and why did you start volunteering at ATA?
I started volunteering at ATA about two years ago. ATA had allowed me to screen a few programs that I had curated and I wanted to give back to the space with my labor. I had also long appreciated ATA as being one of the few Bay Area venues primarily dedicated to alternative cinema and I wanted to be more involved.
You are one of the programmers of Gaze, ATA’s women’s film screening series. As a filmmaker yourself, what have you learned so far being in the programming side of things?
I’ve been interested in programming/curation since 2004, when I helped to juror (and a year later co-directed) a student-run experimental film/video festival. I see it as an extension of my creative practice and I want to help create spaces to show work that I care about. I also try to use it as an excuse to engage with work that I admire but that deals with themes and aesthetics that I don’t directly engage in my own work.
Also, since joining the Gaze team I’ve seen so much great work that has really shifted the way I think about my own projects.
What can you tell us about the next Gaze screening “Transgressions,” coming up on Saturday, August 24?
When we were putting together this screening we kept on finding ourselves torn between themes of criminality, indiscretion, miscommunication, mistranslation, and dis-connection. I think we found that the idea of transgression allowed for us to address all of these. Many of the films we’ve selected concern subjects that find themselves either in friction against or distanced from social norms and mainstream experiences.
Are you working on any projects you would like to tell us a little bit about?
I’m currently working on a performance about a romance between Wile E. Coyote and Roadrunner based loosely on the Orpheus myth. I’ve also been working on some nature based animations and a video about failure to achieve great physical feats.
What does it take to be a volunteer at ATA?
An appreciation of experimental/alternative film/video and a minimal time commitment.
Why is ATA important to you? And to the community?
It’s a venue that is approachable and accessible to almost anybody with a clear idea for a show. It’s a great platform for people who are making challenging work or engaging with marginal experiences and themes.
What is the craziest or coolest thing you have seen at ATA so far?
I’m a big fan of the monthly queer screenings that Periwinkle puts together; there are always at least a couple of pieces each month that blow me away.
BRUCE LANDICK
How and when did you first become involved with ATA?
About three years ago I joined up. Growing up, I had a long time interest in cinema and projecting film. My family had 8mm home movies that we would project. I thought I could further my understanding, as well as make some contacts in the San Francisco film community. Additionally, through a CCSF cinematography class I met an ATA volunteer and she convinced me to give it a try.
You are one of the volunteers with the most technical knowledge in film making and projection. Where and how did you get the skills?
I have been involved in filmmaking since 1990. Most of what I know about film and projection I learned at college. I have a bachelor’s degree in film production.
What is something you have done at/for ATA that you feel very proud of?
I organize the annual BBQ which is a way of getting volunteers to meet up and connect outside of the ATA theater space.
What is the best part of volunteering at ATA?
Learning about and meeting new filmmakers, and being a part of the art scene in San Francisco.
Why is ATA important to you? And to the community?
ATA gives the community an opportunity to show work and to be part of an audience. Filmmakers and the audience are provided the space to meet face to face and learn from each other.
What is the craziest or coolest thing you have seen at ATA?
Jodie Mack had a show that involved all kinds of fun and hijinks. The soundtrack for one of her films was provided entirely by the audience teamwork/ competition.
Volunteer with ATA!
ATA is looking for volunteers to help with our Gallery and our Screenings. Volunteers run screenings, organize events, curate shows, and get stuff done. Volunteers can come to any ATA show for free. We need people who are creative and reliable.
Email volunteer@atasite.org and become a part of something good.