It all began with a challenge.

Create a completely original film each month of 1999, Christian Laurence demanded of his friends. Make ’em cheap, make ’em good and make ’em fun.

Between that January and the end of 1999, nearly 40 others had joined them, and soon Laurence and company were on the verge of creating an exciting new art form: improvisatory cinema.

As it turns out, any resemblance to a musical jam session was not coincidental. Inspired by his jazz-pianist brother’s late-night jams, Laurence wanted to create a flavor of cinema that was informal, expressive, off-the-cuff and fun.

The new group — dubbed Kino — took off. It has since grown to 180 active members in Montreal, Ont., where it all began, and its reach is now worldwide. Kino boasts chapters in Paris, Hamburg and even Madison.

Each chapter’s members meet on a regular basis to talk and share their creations with one another. They’ve abandoned the original film-per-month requirement — nowadays Kinoítes (participating filmmakers) select their own deadlines for completing projects. Missed deadlines result in a “blame” — an imposed ingredient or theme that must appear in the offender’s next creation.

It began as simple fun for Laurence and his band of amateur cinematographers, but with its ever-expanding geographical presence and recognition in the press, Kino has become more than just a hobby — it offers important educational opportunities for aspiring filmmakers.

“It’s important because it’s a school … with a big playground,” Laurence told The Badger Herald via e-mail. “It’s a place where everyone can learn and experiment at the same time.”

Apart from the educational value Kino offers, it also provides a new avenue for amateur filmmakers to get their work in front of many eyes.

It’s not just other Kinoítes who come to watch each month — the original chapter in Montreal regularly draws over 400 spectators to each meeting. What this means for filmmakers is a lot of exposure, but not a lot of red tape.

At a standard Kino gathering, every tape is shown, and none of them are pre-screened or checked in any way. It’s practically democratic — every film has an opportunity to be seen.

“Kino is maybe the only film showcase where freedom is absolute,” Laurence said. He has no problems with festivals selecting films but sees Kino as an important opportunity for filmmakers to share and grow.

“Artists need a training ground, a lab, whatever you call it. And a place to grab a few beers, discuss with friends, meet people who share your passion,” Laurence said.

This marks a departure from the traditional film-festival approach, where filmmakers may not even get a chance because a festival jury hasn’t deemed their work “good enough.”

Kino serves another important function for filmmakers in the group’s home, Quebec — no delays in beginning a project.

The Canadian government heavily finances most independent cinema, so it can take a long time to get the funding to begin any type of traditional production. Due to the proliferation of affordable video equipment and Kino’s truly independent nature, filmmakers have virtually no obstacles in beginning a project.

Laurence said he hopes to continue expanding Kino’s reach through extensive touring and publicizing. This summer, he and a few friends will tour Europe to build support and share some of Kino’s best work.

Also in the works is an international federation of Kino chapters. This summer they will welcome an intern from the UW-Madison French department who will help them with public relations and program expansion. Laurence said he looks forward to new chapters, particularly in America and the rest of Canada.

In just four years, Kino has grown from a gathering of friends to a worldwide movement that has created a new type of cinema and, Laurence believes, offers something for everyone.

“I would attribute our success to the fact that everyone can find something for them in Kino: from the film student who seek to find a way to the professional world to the established filmmaker who’s tired of the delays in Quebec’s independent cinema. With the democratization of means of production, we’re seeing the emergence of a new kind of short movies,” Laurence said.

Kino founder Christian Laurence will present a selection of the group’s best films of 2002 at the Wisconsin Film Festival. Catch the screening at 5:45 p.m., Sat., March 29, at the Frederic March Play Circle in the Memorial Union. For more information on Kino, visit www.kino00.com.