Biography
American experimental filmmaker Robert 'Rob' Todd was raised in Westchester, NY, studied painting and film at Tufts University / School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and taught film at a small, New England, liberal-arts college. Todd and produced over 175 films, which are to be housed at the Film Archive of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The filmmaker's extensive collection of rare, historic film and video, books, and imprints are housed as a resource for future generations of historians, artists and filmmakers at the CalArts Library.
Rob Todd's media works defy categorization, but he was perhaps best known for his creation of intimate, lyrical works that gave insight into the fragility of both humankind and nature. During his life, Todd's films were screened at many international film festivals, including Rotterdam, New York, San Francisco, Black Maria, Nouveau Cinema (Montréal), Ann Arbor, Slamdance, and many others. After his death his works continue to be screened and studied.
Todd's films cover a broad range of genres, from abstract (e.g. "Gems" - shining droplets of water on branches) to documentary (e.g. "In Loving Memory: Testimonials of Death Row Inmates Regarding Life" and "Master Plan"). Todd received 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 work and approach to creating art had a profound impact on generations of experimental filmmakers. After his death, collaborator Brittany Gravely said of him, "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 his said, "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."
Rob died in August 2018 and is survived by his wife, writer and painter Tessa Day.
