Test Film
In Test Film (2017-2026), visual artist Katja Mater once again explores the boundaries of the film medium.The work consists of hand-drawn ‘interpretations’ of graphic 16mm test images, known as SMPTE tests, originally intended for calibrating film images with the aim of achieving an ‘optimal’ or ‘correct’ reproduction in print or projection.
Story overview
What It's About
Spoiler-free. Read the analysis below for the full argument.
In Test Film (2017-2026), visual artist Katja Mater once again explores the boundaries of the film medium. The work consists of hand-drawn ‘interpretations’ of graphic 16mm test images, known as SMPTE tests, originally intended for calibrating film images with the aim of achieving an ‘optimal’ or ‘correct’ reproduction in print or projection. Mater’s drawn and subsequently filmed versions bring this objective of film as a representation of reality into sharp focus. Test Film emphasises the concept of film as an ephemeral construct of image and time.
Where to watch
Streaming
Availability verified against regional listings.
Checking regional listings…
The numbers
Box Office & Release
- Budget
- —
- Opening weekend
- —
- Domestic gross
- —
- International gross
- —
- Worldwide gross
- —
- Release date
- Jan 1, 2026
- Runtime
- 0h 2m
- MPAA rating
- —
- Language
- No Language
- Country
- —
Figures from the verified production record. Fields we cannot source are left blank rather than estimated.