Experimental Films at Wallenboyd

Both Peggy Ahwesh and Lewis Klar, whose experimental work Filmforum will present tonight at 8 at the Wallenboyd, are concerned with childhood--i.e., who we are and how we got that way. But their approaches are radically different.

In “Ode to the New Pre-History” (1984) and “From Romance to Ritual” (1985)--both 21 minutes long--Ahwesh strives for the artlessness of the home movie in a seemingly ragtag collection of conversations, observations of children at play and archival footage. The cumulative effect suggests the eternal quality of aggression in human nature, the ways in which it becomes embedded and ritualized in society and the challenge it presents to our very survival.

The second film emphasizes sexuality, which may be the ultimate source of all aggression, and its special implications for women.

While Ahwesh’s rigorous minimalist approach invites you to make connections for yourself, Klar in his 42-minute “Picture Book for Adults” (1983-85) imposes a barrage of techniques upon a wide range of pop culture sights and sounds to evoke the terrifying process of growing up. His 14-minute “Her Fragrant Emulsion,” which also has a fragmented style, expresses longing for a beautiful young woman. Both film makers will be present. Information: (714) 628-7331.