Border

Ever since I have started this workshop, I am feeling more and more inspired and excited about what I am doing and what I want to do in the future in regards to filmmaking. 

Our assignment for the workshop is to create a 5 minute video piece that communicates the idea of "Border" whether it be used as literal as we want, metaphorical, symbolically or  psychological. I tend to really love these assignments. It has a constraint but still leaves you to choose a story that is unequally about you or about what you want to communicate. 

My piece is called "Dear Father" The context will be about the borders between father/daughter relationships. I will not reveal anymore details about it till its showed April 3rd at the Lang Theater. I will be heading out to shoot it in an hour. Tristan (one of the other students in the workshop) will be collaborating with me as a DP, and another student/teacher assistant to Prof. Andrew Lund who will be shooting the making of! I love the making, the creative process, and the actual production of any creation more then the final product. 

I am so excited and have even posted an event on facebook inviting all my fellow artist friends and filmmakers. I am also so excited and looking forward to seeing what all the other students have created. 

Shirin Neshat and Shoja Azari are very inspiring and I enjoy the group discussions we have at the workshop. Shirin has a very humble quiet expression when talking about her experience and expressing her brilliant ideas. Shoja has a very funny sense of humor, he makes the whole class burst in laughs. I think its also very generous that they provide the workshop with a catering for lunch (very sweet!!) 

Aside from the workshop, they have invited all of the students to an outer event, where Shoj'a son was performing in a band doing the vocals and occasionally playing the electric guitar. I went with three of my friends, and we all enjoyed and loved the contemporary fusion of instruments which combined an electric guitar, accordion, harmonica,  the big acrostic classical base, and a trumpet. It was amazing. I got to meet Shirin's editor Sam, for her film Zarin, and a few lovely people in the industry. It was a great night! 

Looking forward to the next meeting...

Till then

The Workshop

What a fantastic workshop! Everyone is truly enjoying the discussions around film and art and in between. It has been such a great opportunity to listen firsthand to the experiences of Shirin Neshat and her collaborator Shoja Azari as they each discuss their process when it comes to filmmaking and art.

A couple of pics from the workshop below:

It's a flurry of activity as everyone arrives to the workshop.

Students listening intently.

The workshop participants are busy at work on their short films. Check back to hear more updates and see their finished products. More pictures to come soon!

Shirin Neshat Screening & Installation

What an amazing screening and installation! The Hunter Community was so grateful for the opportunity hear Shirin Neshat discuss her work after the screening along with her collaborator Shoja Azari.

Check out some pictures from the event below:

It was a packed house!

Shirin Neshat

Q & A after the screening. (Left to right: Shanti Thakur, Shoja Azari and Shirin Neshat)

Shirin Neshat's video installation Turbulent ('98) as
screened at the event. Shoja Azari pictured in video.

Turbulent ('98) as screened at the event.

Today/Tonight

Shirin Neshat in person!

Thanks Sam. I got it