Fresh perspectives on the most relevant topics of our time
Behind the scenes with EFF recipients; Jackie, Alice and Jenn
From Alice’s innovative use of claymation to explore questions of identity, to Jackie’s empathetic documentary on Asian-Australian responses to pandemic related racism and Jenn’s use of 16mm film in the creation of experimental sci-fi, these filmmakers represent a new generation of Australian filmmakers challenging conventional narratives and forms.
We sat with the recipients to discuss what inspires their work and practice, and their experience developing short films through the Emerging Filmmakers Fund. Each sheds light on important narratives, paving their own ways to empower conversations around social justice and creating community.
Watch the trailer above to hear more from Alice, Jackie and Jenn!
Support emerging filmmakers by donating to the Human Rights Art and Film Festival:
Jacqueline Dixon - I Am Not A Virus
A short-film exploring identity in the face of crisis, discussing pandemic related racism and presenting a heartfelt counter-narrative from three young Asian Australians with strong ties to their community; Elle Shimada, a Japanese violinist, Ngoc Tran, business owner of Shop Bao Ngoc, and Cr Anthony Tran, Australia’s youngest mayor.
“I would hope that people could see the impacts of this anti Asian sentiment has on individuals and on the community, and also for Asian Australians to realise that one of the big solutions to this problem that we are going through is really finding a sense of belonging in the community.” Jackie Dixon (@hellojackiedixon)
Alice Gilbert - Facade
A claymation that explores the theme of identity. FACADE follows the central character from a quirky cocktail party into an abstract world of imagery, as they shed their layers to reveal different parts of themselves. As each layer is revealed, the film considers the overarching question: who are we at our core?
“What it's able to do is peel away, if you like, some of the extraneous stuff and just kind of explore a concept, in an abstract way, using imagery.” Alice Gilbert (@alice_gilbo)
Jenn Tran - Facade
Over a century after all humans have left Earth, a scientist returns on a mission to understand how her colony might build its first forest. She reflects on the nature of her task and the complexity of the ecology she seeks to replicate. What begins as a scientific mission becomes a meditation on place, memory and loss. As she searches for answers, she grapples with an age-old question: what is the cost of progress?
“My genre that I like to use in filmmaking is a documentary fictional essay. I shot all in black and white, and I got it all hand processed and scanned all in Victoria, which I thought would be more holistic in storytelling.” Jenn Tran (@jenntraann)
