Private Project

The Turns

“The Turns” is an experimental animation film created in 2025 by Colorado artist and filmmaker John Dawson. This is a 100% hand made film by drawing and painting directly onto 16mm film stock. It comes to life with a pulse, fast rhythm and abstraction that moves.
This film is a high energy, uplifting, drawing, painting, color and motion dance party. You can think of it like a ride at the amusement park or view it the same way you might view fireworks or abstract painting. My films are designed to bridge all language and cultural barriers making them internationally universal. Norman McLaren, Len Ley, Stan Brakhage and Steve Woloshen were all great influences and inspiration for this work.

  • John Dawson
    Director
    Jam It, The Big Job, Soup Mix, Image Dance, Flo Go, Zap On
  • John Dawson
    Producer
    Jam It, The Big Job, Soup Mix, Image Dance, Flo Go, Zap On
  • John Dawson
    Animation
    Jam It, The Big Job, Soup Mix, Image Dance, Flo Go, Zap On
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Experimental, Music Video, Short
  • Genres:
    Experimental Film, Short, Animation, Arthouse, Underground, Experimental Animation, Micro Short
  • Runtime:
    2 minutes 36 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 24, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    100 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Shooting Format:
    16mm
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Sorrento Film and Food Festival
    Sorrento, Campania
    Italy
    January 2, 2026
    World Wide Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Mid Ohio Valley Film Festival
    Parkersburg, WV
    United States
    April 17, 2026
    USA Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Golden FEMI Film Festival
    Sofia
    Bulgaria
    June 6, 2026
    Nominee
Director Biography - John Dawson

John Dawson lives just outside of Boulder, Colorado and is the son of Colorado watercolor artist Milly Dawson. He is a visual artist with a background in traditional animation, film making, video production, graphics, photography, sculpture and fine art. His films have been screened and won awards in several different film festivals all over the world.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

My films are designed to bridge all language and cultural barriers making them internationally universal. Norman McLaren, Len Ley, Stan Brakhage and Steve Woloshen were all great influences and inspiration for this work.