Theater13

Theater13 Short Films/Music Videos
Long live black and white. strange tales.

08/14/2026

We’re committed to making this film as handmade as possible, even if it means the stars…

05/14/2026

A sneak peek at our test of a set of Petzval lenses for The Savage State.

Designed in 1840 by a Hungarian mathematician and physicist, the Petzval was one of the first photographic portrait lenses ever created. The design was dramatically faster than the lenses of its era and capable of capturing images with striking depth and clarity.

But what makes Petzval lenses truly fascinating is their imperfections.

Unlike modern lenses designed for technical perfection, Petzvals create swirling bokeh, uneven focus falloff, soft edges, and an almost dreamlike painterly quality. The image feels less “recorded” and more remembered.

For portions of The Savage State, we chose to shoot on Petzval lenses not only because they connect visually to the photographic language of the 1800s, but because they emotionally align with the film itself. Our world is a world caught between history, folklore, memory, and myth. We wanted the image to feel enchanted rather than clinically perfect.

In a strange way, this 180-year-old technology will help us create something that feels more timeless than modern lenses ever could.

Before there was conservation, there was the Hudson River School.Their paintings didn’t just document nature, they made ...
04/14/2026

Before there was conservation, there was the Hudson River School.

Their paintings didn’t just document nature, they made people care about it.

That idea is at the heart of The Savage State.

As Earth Day approaches, it feels like the right time to ask:

What happens when we stop seeing the world as sacred…
and start treating it as something to consume?

Address

Sudbury, MA

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Theater13 posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Theater13:

Shortcuts

Share

Category