OcToRay

The Concept of OcToRay

In 2015, I conceived OcToRay, a framework that consisted of 8 guiding principles. As a filmmaker and a community builder, it was my intention to seek clearer directions for future creative and advocacy endeavours, and to identify in what capacity could my studio serve my community.

The eight light beams, as in the name OcToRay, represent the eight principles behind of the concept of OcToRay, they are respectively:

Community Building
Social Innovation
Collaboration
Resources Exchange
Critical Thinking
Self Development
Creativity
Promoting Film Arts

The Studio of OcToRay

Between 2015 and 2017, the studio of OcToRay was located in the Iowa Compound in the Caochangdi International Art District before it was forcibly demolished by the city of Beijing.

The 2000 sqm studio was only open for non-commercial use. Filmmakers, artists, curators, community of Caochangdi and other creatives were welcome to use the space free of charge.

For 3 years, this non-profit art and community space hosted various productions, rehearsals, international artist residencies, community events, film screenings and exhibitions.

Artist in Residence and film grant

The Beijing Studio of OcToRay had in the past hosted overseas artists and professionals as residents. Swiss artist Sibylle Hauert, Peruvian artist Alexandra Eguiluz and Esteban Andueza from Spain (Muntadas’s team) have spent some time here and in exchange, they helped with research, gave feedback, hosted talk and workshop to the community.

OcToRay is currently working on setting up a residency program in Kassel, Germany, home to contemporary art exhibition Dokumenta and Kasseler Dokfest. The program and a subsequent film grant will place a focus on film arts and media literacy. Check back for updates or contact us for more information.