By Design Film Series

The eighth annual "By Design" film series is currently going on at the Northwest Film Forum.

This always intriguing annual series explores the intersection of graphic design and moving image. This year, the program features installations and performances by digital artists, classic films by such pioneer designer/directors as Saul Bass, Charles and Ray Eames, Norman McLaren and Frank Mouris, and a feature documentary celebrating the ubiquitous Swiss typeface Helvetica.

Tonight (March 7) brings a "The Dot and the Line," a program of short film from the 60's and 70's featuring work by the Eameses, Norman McLaren and Jim Henson, among others.

"Dots" is one of hundreds of charming animated shorts by the brilliant McLaren. This one dates from the 1940's.