Wk 7 – Reflections

Sasha Geyer 

Sasha constructs an aesthetically simple yet stunning portrait on Carmen-Sibha Keiso, a close friend who studies at the VCA. Such a sense of simplicity would have otherwise resulted in a tedious viewing experience if it had not been for Sasha’s journalistically driven mind and quirky subject. The minimalistic setting of the VCA workspace allows the viewers to place their undivided attention upon Carmen-Sibha, whilst cluing us into aspects of her life and character. Furthermore, the setting feeds off nonchalant vibes as pastels consume the space, blending well with the subject’s intoxicating voice. Sasha’s ‘found-footage’ of various screenshots or Carmen-Sibha’s film-art compliment his artistic style of representing Youth Culture in its most unprocessed and natural element – a favourite shot of mine being the ‘Bang Bang You’re Mine’ clip. Though this film did not particularly need the addition of non-diegetic sound as it spoke for itself, I would love to see Sasha exploring with music in the future and engaging the audience with a soundtrack.

Zachary Newbegin 

Zach’s portrait on his deceased uncle and godfather, Christopher O’Rourke, is a refreshing and beautiful change from the typical ‘interview-style’ that the majority of students engaged in. His film reads like a series of jigsaw pieces that have been placed together in order to represent Christopher and as the clips moved on, my mind was constantly at work with trying to conjure an idea of who Zach’s uncle was. The black-and-white archive footage of burlesque women and shadowed figures were interwoven well with photographs and letters that Christopher had written, evoking the melancholy that illness placed on Zach’s family as well as the dramatic and joyous side of Christopher’s personality. This tied in well with the film’s Beethoven soundtrack as some notes represented hope whilst others took a turn for darkness. This was a truthfully thought-out piece and in the future, I would suggest Zach ensures that his narration is a little clearer as the commentary that he expressed from Christopher’s cancer journal was poetic and significant.