Michael
Siporin

Michael (Mickey) Siporin (1940 - 2004) was a cartoonist and filmmaker. He held an M.F.A. from Southern Illinois University and a graduate degree in film studies from the University of Califoria at Los Angeles. He taught at Southern Illinois University, Western Illinois University, St. John's University, Pratt Institute, and the New School for Social Research. 

Siporin worked as a cartoonist for the Los Angeles Free press. 

His motion picture showings throughout the United States included: The Bridge (N.Y.), Ohio University, Cinematheque 16 (L.A.), Film-Maker's Cinematheque (N.Y.), Second City and Aardvark (Chicago), Kenmore Square (Boston), and 1965 Chicago International Film Festival (Special Jury Award). His films were distributed by Cinema 16, the Film-Maker's Cooperative, and Center Cinema Cooperative.

A description of Siporin's 1969 Spring course, "The Underground Cinema: A Commitment to Experimentation," at the New School For Social Research, can be read below:

"The underground film-maker is convinced that the motion picture has yet to be adequatley explored and thus that it has not fully realized its most dynamic potential. Experimentation of medium has preceded further development in other more traditional art forms, and to a great extent it is this awareness of history that has challenged the artist to explore the possibilities of the motion picture. The class will study through example and experiment the techniques and philosophies of the underground film. Recent underground films will be viewed and discussed."