Real people, Reel lives;
- ‘Vallon’ by Jessie Rowe
Jessie’s documentary, “Vallon,” was an incredible and captivating exploration of Jo Lee’s journey from a flower hobbyist to a successful business owner. What truly resonated with me were the cinematic shots that Jessie expertly captured. Her attention to detail and her ability to immerse the audience in the world of Jo Lee’s flower farm was truly remarkable. The sound design and visuals, particularly the scenes featuring the morning fog and intimate office space, transported me into the serene atmosphere of Jo Lee’s farm. The early morning ambience, complete with the gentle chirping of birds and the desolate farm, made me feel as though I were right there with her. Sound design was something we learned towards the end but was incredibly important to use. The attention to detail like the bird noises and footsteps to even the door opening, were all small details that Jessie noticed that really enhanced the overall quality of her documentary.
Jessie managed to convey not only the visual beauty of the farm but also the sensory experience of being there. I could almost feel the dew on the petals and the fresh, cool air. The documentary was a heartfelt and visually stunning portrayal of Jo Lee’s passion and hard work. It left a lasting impression on me and made me appreciate this class even more.
2. ‘Life in 35mm’ by Ellesha Atukorala, Karmen Pei & Yixuan Huang
The documentary, centered around Yuci, a photographer dedicated to working exclusively with film cameras, was an exploration of the challenges associated with this traditional medium in an increasingly digital world. It provided a thought-provoking glimpse into the struggles faced by those who choose to stick with film, shedding light on the uphill battle they face against the tide of digital advancements.
One aspect of this documentary that particularly resonated with me was the use of subtitles. It was heartening to see this approach used to ensure that the subjects could express themselves in the language they were most comfortable with. As someone who is Korean, I could deeply appreciate the significance of allowing individuals to convey their thoughts and feelings in their native language. This approach avoids the risk of losing the nuances and cultural depth of their words in translation. By using subtitles, this documentary acknowledged the importance of preserving the authenticity of the subjects’ voices and stories, which added depth and richness to the narrative. It allowed the audience to connect with the subjects on a more profound level, fostering a deeper understanding of their experiences and the artistry of their work.
Shock! A new horror
- ‘Lost in the in-between’ directed by Lucy Liu
The film created by this group left a lasting impression on me. What truly stood out was the impeccable cinematography, which demonstrated a meticulous approach to crafting each shot and scene, and it was evident that they had thought through every detail.
The narrative of the film kept me engaged and invested from beginning to end. The “dad” character added an element of unease that lingered throughout the story, and the mother’s behavior towards her daughter further deepened the emotional complexity of the narrative. One of the most impressive aspects of this film was the outstanding performances by all three members of the cast. From the colour grading to the impeccable sound design and the stunning cinematography, every element of the film was impressively executed.
2. ‘The Newsroom” by Jasmin Gould, Christina Yang, Giorgio-curcio
The film revolved around the feelings of guilt experienced by Sarah O’Donahue as the death of her colleague haunts her. What struck me about this film was its deliberate avoidance of providing clear explanations. It allowed the audience to draw their own conclusions regarding the events before and after the film. This open-ended approach was greatly facilitated by the film’s commitment to realism.The film’s use of muffled voices, fluctuating lighting, and flickering visuals was highly effective in generating a palpable sense of unease and anxiety. It precisely captured the essence of post-horror, where the fear of something unsettling happening at any moment keeps the audience on edge. “The Newsroom” adeptly harnessed these techniques to offer a masterful example of how post-horror employs moments of vulnerable stillness to create a uniquely unsettling atmosphere.