Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM
2220 Arts + Archives, Los Angeles
Los Angeles Filmforum presents *Filmforum 50, program 7: “Vision of the Fire Tree”* Films by Stan Brakhage and Phil Solomon Live performance by Ulrich Krieger, Michael Pisaro-Liu, and Eyvind Kang ∆ A very special evening, with classic films by Stan Brakhage and Phil Solomon and live performance by beloved LA composers and musicians, Ulrich Krieger, Michael Pisaro-Liu, and Eyvind Kang. All films will be screened in 16mm. The program opens with ***Vision of the Fire Tree***. It is, as Brakhage writes, “like a fire in the mind” that “seeks that ‘tree’ along a line of metaphorical synapse.” ***Landing in the Cat of the Worm's Green Realm***, cats, flames, worms, leaves, sunlight, and tiny creatures thrive in a fantastical world refracted by octagonal prisms—a mysterious, luminous, and boundless visual feast beneath an autumn-hued sky. ***Desert*** gazes directly at the dazzling sun. Yellow sand and mirages. Dried red and yellow rose petals, black and white calligraphic lines, hieroglyphic pinks, greens, and blues. ***The Persian Series #6-12*** is a symphony of bold and delicate emotions, the power of lines and shapes clashing and merging, yet appearing and disappearing like ghosts—indistinct, ultimately… The program concludes with Phil Solomon's ***Clepsydra***, in which a water-clock rescues us from the lost flames, taking us back to the origin of the universe through the heavy black-and-white noise, where perhaps the "tree" resides. *We wish to acknowledge that these films were originally created in silent film format by the artist, and our performance reflects this, demonstrating our deep understanding and respect for Brakhage's artistic vision. This event celebrates the 50th anniversary of Los Angeles Filmforum, paying tribute to art films and bringing together these musicians who are also devoted fans of Brakhage. This live performance is authorized and approved by Stan Brakhage's widow, Marilyn Brakhage.* Curated by Cherlyn Hsing-Hsin Liu.