Greatness

Greatness
Because who doesn't love Winnie the Pooh?

Sunday, December 7, 2014

End of the Semester

This class really pushed me forward not only as a filmmaker, but also as a creative person. I had to find ways around limitations, learn to adapt to changes, and also figure out my role in each project.

My favorite was the music video. I discovered how much I love Art/Hair & Make up, and how that would really fit me as a person. I also realized that I actually like to pretend to be someone else for a few hours. It spices up my life.

My least favorite was the soundscape, but only because it scared me so much. Once I was doing it and in the process of finding a pattern of noise, I ended up loving it.

I'm so thankful that I took this class this semester because I really connected with my classmates--more than I typically do in a class. I've made a lot of friends and hopefully we keep working on projects together. I'm also very thankful I took this class because I think I'm a better problem solver. I've learned how to work with what I have, and how to make and expression with it.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

Friday, December 5, 2014

Cucalorus for the First Time: 2014

My Cucalorus experience was rushed. It went by so quickly! I had a hell of a weekend traveling from work, home, and downtown several times per day (as well as finding parking.. haha).

My first film was Children of Salt, where I also met Caleb Ward. It was great to see a UNCW graduate's production. Although the sound mixing could've been improved a little, for a low-budget film, this was spectacular! The narrative was revealed and paced in a gratifying way, and the story was captivating.

My second screening was the Minorca Shorts block. I had gotten off of work early, and forced my co-worker to come with me to this screening. I knew where TheaterNOW was this time, so we made it (and both got in for free!). I particularly enjoyed Bloodhounds, as well as Trouble and the Shadowy Deathblow. We stayed for the Q&A, which gave another perspective behind the decisions made--I always love hearing stories about how/where/why certain shorts and films are made.

My third screening was Living Stars, which was a delight. Kids, Adults, and Seniors all participated in a compilation of dancing in Buenos Aires. Some were very good, some were a little unsynchopated, but all of them depicted dancing as a way to live life. In outer-textual analysis, this could be a metaphor for accepting the music given, and breaking up the daily routine. While I sat at Jengo's watching this, I just thought about how every culture connects to music and dance of some form.

My fourth screening was Stomping Ground, which I kid you not, was one of the best films I have seen in a long time. It had the dark humor of Zombieland, but no narration. I was engaged and entertained throughout the whole film. After the Q&A, I forced myself to go and talk to the director (Dan) and the lead actress (Tarah), which was probably good for my social skills. I just seriously want this thing to come on Netflix now.

My fifth screening was The Return.
This was such a powerful way to start my day, I often found myself reflecting on my identity throughout the rest of my day. Although the other viewers were mostly either a) older than 60, or b) Jewish, I felt that I got a lot out from seeing this documentary. I think it spoke to the young feminist in me, searching for her own truth.

I really enjoyed Cucalorus; it was my first real film festival and I know now that I will never work on Cucalorus weekend again. Hopefully the next film festival I go to takes me to NYC. That would be chaotic but amazing.