The 24th edition of Doclisboa will present the largest retrospective so far of Pasi “Sleeping” Myllymäki’s films, which he created together with his long-time collaborator, cinematographer Risto Laakkonen, who passed away this year.

The screening A Punk Wonder of Super 8mm Cinema features 28 films by Pasi “Sleeping” Myllymäki, including his debute film Omena (The Apple) (featured image):

“This adventure is a particular look at the whole history of avant-garde experimental cinema in a single screening. Myllymäki, inspired by Norman McLaren, worked with breathtaking freedom and humour, taking all kinds of directions: nods to surrealism and lettrism, stop motion, animation and camera-less films, music videos accompanying irreverent songs by his band Sleeping & The Beds, satire, or even grim political warnings about the nuclear threat. A cornucopia of treasures, a generous demonstration of infinite imagination, despite (or thanks to) the most limited means of amateur filmmaking.”

The screening is curated by Boris Nelepo.

Pasi “Sleeping” Myllymäki is a Finnish filmmaker known for his alternative short films in the punk and underground scenes. Myllymäki graduated as a graphic designer from the Lahti Institute of Fine Arts and Design in 1976. Inspired by the DIY mentality of punk, he began making his own Super 8 shorts with the amateur cinematographer Risto Laakkonen. Between 1976–85 they produced nearly 50 short films. Between 1979–82, Myllymäki published a fanzine called “Maanalainen kaitaelokuva” (Underground DIY Cinema). The published articles were frenzied rants against the conservative values of 8 mm enthusiasts and manifestos that heralded a “new wave culture”. Myllymäki’s underground short films have been screened e.g. at Image Forum Film Festival, Japan, and Venice Biennale 2017.

Doclisboa
October 15–25, 2026
Lisbon, Portugal

More information: Doclisboa: A Punk Wonder of Super 8mm Cinema

Doclisboa is organised by Apordoc – Portuguese Documentary Association.