Kathryn Ramey is a multifaceted filmmaker and anthropologist whose innovative work seamlessly merges experimental film techniques with ethnographic research, blurring the lines between artistic expression and cultural exploration.
Her acclaimed and deeply personal films are distinguished by her manipulation of celluloid, incorporating a range of unconventional processes such as hand-processing, optical printing, and direct animation techniques, which imbue her work with a unique texture and aesthetic.
As a scholar, Ramey's research interests are centered on the social history of the avant-garde film community, delving into the cultural and artistic movements that have shaped the medium over time. Her work also explores the anthropology of visual communication, examining the ways in which images and stories are used to convey meaning and connect with audiences.
Furthermore, Ramey's research bridges the gap between avant-garde and ethnographic film and art practices, highlighting the commonalities and convergences between these seemingly disparate fields. Her films have been recognized with numerous awards and have screened at esteemed festivals and venues worldwide, including the Toronto Film Festival, the TriBeCa film festival, the 25fps Experimental Film Festival, the Jihlava Documentary Film Festival, the Alchemy Film Festival, the Cinepoesia/Bogota Experimental Film Festival, and the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington DC.
