Spring runoff starts in the mountains.
There seems to be an abundance of ski videos, especially of people demonstrating their ability to jump, soar and spin through terrain parks. However, I feel that this one has a bit more variety to it and I think its beautiful.
This film may not be an obvious documentary to some, but this is the perfect example of an art documentary. It gives us time to reflect on the roots of the American people while using images to tell the story instead of conventional interviews and b-roll. I love how this film lets the viewer reflect on the subject without being told what to think.
The story of man… cute and clever in less than three minutes! I love the interaction between the animator and the animation- it takes animation to a whole new level. I think it really illustrates the relationship between the artist and their creation and how our imaginations can really get away from us.
Every piece of art has a similar creative process: Conception, research, planning and creation. We use fashion in a very different way to how we use film or a painting, yet we it all follow this simple structure.
I love that The Art of Making, Red Dress celebrates another art form, not to mention the use of graphics to document and explain the creation process of the clothing. It’s different, sleek and beautiful, just like the designer’s final product.
Simple, to the point and celebrates a type of art beyond film and animation- architecture. I think it beautifully celebrates some of the world’s most magnificent buildings and their creators while using the art deco style to exhibit each building. I like that so many artistic styles and topics are combined to make this short film – plus it manages bring such a global perspective into a seemingly simple short.
I thought this was the perfect transition from “Award Season” to “Art”. Ashes and Snow truly is a magnificent piece of film art and should be recognized for it. I consider this an art film beyond the image as the metaphoric meaning is artful enough.
As described by the director:
“Gregory Colbert’s Ashes and Snow feature film captures extraordinary moments of contact between people and animals as seen through the lens of the artist’s camera on more than thirty expeditions to some of the earth’s most remote places. Written, directed, produced, and filmed by Gregory Colbert, it is a poetic field study that depicts the world not as it is, but as it might be—a world in which the natural and artificial boundaries separating humans from other species do not exist. The viewing experience is one of wonder and contemplation, serenity, and hope.”
Did you see the Oscars this last Sunday? I haven’t been this excited about the ceremonies in a long time- I actually saw most of the films this year. I was thrilled to see “Searching for Sugar Man” won this year’s feature documentary category, although any of the nominated films deserved to win. I’m always torn between the selected films. Congratulations to all!
Now for my final post for February and with the theme off “Award Season”:
Another film that you have probably heard about as it has screened all over the world in the last year. The Tsunami and the Cherry blossom brought a tear to my eye when I saw it a year ago. It reminded me of how fortunate I am to have never had to endure a natural disaster or had to watch loved ones being swept away, completely helpless. I hope I never have to. It also reminded me that there is always hope and regeneration, even after complete devastation. Nature endures. I thought this was a beautiful tribute the strength of the Japanese people… to anyone who has survived a disaster.
What would you do if you couldn’t hear the way you used to or as everyone else does? I like that this film addresses a topic that many of us don’t often think about, if ever. It turns sound waves into something visual and transports the audience with ‘normal’ hearing capabilities into the worlds of three individuals who can’t hear the way that most of us can, yet music is a huge part of their lives.
So many documentaries we see are about heavy topics- war, injustice, disadvantage. This film just makes you smile. Just as Elmo intended.
Did you ever see the documentary BANANAS!* ? If you haven’t, its not too surprising- especially if you’re living in US. Swedish director Fredrik Gertten made a film about the treatment of workers on Dole Food Company banana plantations in Central America. Right before the film’s release at the Los Angeles film festival, Dole threatenend a lawsuit against Gertten for slander if he did not cease and desist the showing of his film. BIG BOYS GONE BANANAS!* documents the personal and company experience through the legal ordeal for Gertten to show his film. Although not viewable depending on your location, this film is an important reminder of how vulnerable filmmakers can be and questions how free are we to speak our mind.
emfirno 