Robert 'Rob' Todd, an American experimental filmmaker, was born and raised in Westchester, New York. He pursued his passion for painting and film at Tufts University and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Todd's academic background and creative inclinations led him to teach film at a small liberal-arts college in New England.
Throughout his illustrious career, Todd produced an astonishing 175 films, which are now housed at the Film Archive of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. His extensive collection of rare, historic film and video, books, and imprints is a valuable resource for future generations of historians, artists, and filmmakers at the CalArts Library.
Todd's filmography defies categorization, but he is perhaps best known for his intimate, lyrical works that poignantly capture the fragility of humanity and nature. During his lifetime, his films were showcased at numerous international film festivals, including Rotterdam, New York, San Francisco, Black Maria, Nouveau Cinema in Montréal, Ann Arbor, Slamdance, and many others.
Todd's creative output spanned a broad range of genres, from abstract works like "Gems," featuring shining droplets of water on branches, to documentary films such as "In Loving Memory: Testimonials of Death Row Inmates Regarding Life" and "Master Plan." His work was recognized with grants and awards from various festivals and foundations, including the LEF Foundation, The Brother Thomas Award from The Boston Foundation, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, among others.
Todd's influence on generations of experimental filmmakers was profound. Collaborator Brittany Gravely fondly recalled his unwavering dedication to his craft, stating, "Obsessively shooting and making films, Rob lost the need to use a light meter and, eventually, a splicer. I was surprised he still required a camera."
A former student of Todd's echoed his emphasis on discovery, saying, "Rob Todd taught me the one thing that was crucial about filmmaking - discovery. Not story, not character, not theme, all of which can be callously recycled or poorly executed. No! It's discovery. Everything that is exciting, that moves the blood around your body, that makes you shiver, that opens your eyes wider, that connects your soul, is tied to the process of discovery. Of having your eyes open and your camera ready."
Sadly, Rob Todd passed away in August 2018, leaving behind his wife, writer and painter Tessa Day.
