Melbourne Documentary Film Festival 2020 – Bound
Through the perspective of a 15th-century book, Bound explores the way in which people throughout history have valued objects that are not from their own time.
Interview with Writer/Director/Editor Emmy Clifton
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thanks! I've always loved visiting galleries, museums and libraries. When I learned about the rare books department at the State Library I was very intrigued to find out more. This led me down a wonderful path to a 500-year-old book. After finding out the history of this book, I decided it should tell its story for itself.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You should watch this film because for a few minutes it really takes you out of yourself, its whimsical, sentimental and humorous and might leave you pondering how you value the mundane objects around you.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Growing up in the country I felt as though I was surrounded by a slow, mundane world that I was constantly trying to speed up and poeticise. I feel like universally all of our lives have become very fast and there is a real pull to return to a more slow, simple way of living. By appreciating the small things in our day to day lives we are perhaps able to be more present.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script evolved as I realised space was really crucial to the emotional landscape of the film. That meant slowing it down and stripping back the script a lot.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback has been fairly positive so far!
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I think the very early feedback surprised me, that I had too much writing for the short length of the film. I eventually saw it was right and pulled a lot of it out which was the right decision! It's hard when you've seen something so many times you lose perspective and really need feedback from someone a little more detached from the project.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Getting my name out there as I am very early into my film career and hopefully one or two people might pop over to the festival to see it!
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
At this stage, I'd love more buyers, sales agents, distributors etc. As the film was made with next to no budget I'd love advice on what to do with it after the short film festival circuit.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
A gentle one reminder to be present and a nudge to see the magic in the mundanity around you.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Why do we have a tendency to value things that are not from our own time?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am currently in the early stages of shooting my graduate documentary film. This film will be a personal film exploring family, legacy and onions!
Interview: July 2020
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Bound
Through the perspective of a 15th-century book, Bound explores the way in which people throughout history have valued objects that are not from their own time.
Length: 3:00
Director: Emmy Clifton
Writer: Emmy Clifton
About the writer, director and producer:
EMMY CLIFTON studied a Bachelor of Fine Art before studying her Masters of Documentary Film at the Victorian Academy of the Arts. Her films have a strong visual emphasis and often explore themes of mundanity.
Key cast: Francesca Waters
Instagram: @emmyclifton
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Melbourne Documentary Film Festival online from 30th June-15th July