Flickerfest - A Restless Peace
Australian photographer Stephen DuPont has a fascination with disappearing worlds and, more particularly, with death. With camera in hand, he finds veins to mine in war, in Mexico's celebration of the Day of the Dead and in professionals who deal with the deceased.
Interview with Director Krystle Wright
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
As an artist, I believe it's important to be challenged and this film was my first attempt at being a Director. I've been a little frustrated by short film pieces created for photographers where it feels that it's sensationalized by focussing the story on a singular shot that defines a photographer's career. A photographer's career has never been about one shot, I believe it is the process of photography is what captures and engages us long term and I attempted to explore this narrative direction more with Stephen DuPont.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
It's not a case of 'should', obviously, I can only encourage one to watch the film. For those who are interested in documentary photography or understanding the inner thoughts of an artist, then I hope this film would be of particular interest.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Work that I particularly admire is those of long-term projects where the photography produced has the ability to showcase investigative work and engage on a deeper level. Which typically means the artist is throwing themselves into these projects with a fiery passion that borderlines obsession at times and so often brings in challenges into their personal lives that we don't see.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
It's tough to come into a project like this with a preconceived idea of how it should turn out when the subject is based in a documentary setting which is forever spontaneous. I came into the project with a strong idea but over the course of our trip, consulted with Ben Knight and Travis Rummel (filmmakers) to evolve the idea and of course furthermore in the editing process with Toby Pike.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
This is the second film festival the film has been accepted into and so it's still very new. So far the feedback has been very positive and encouraging. I've been blown away particularly by other professional photographers who have given this piece praise as they've felt it's different to anything they've seen previously when it comes to bio type pieces on photographers' work.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I have not been challenged yet but I do look forward to seeing the piece circulating more and more which will give back a larger variety of feedback.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
As a storyteller, I am always searching for different platforms to share my stories and the online world is a maze at times. Every website always offers a chance to connect with a new viewer.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
It is a short film and for now, my goal is to try and submit to more film festivals and await the right time for when Canon Australia feel ready to share online publicly.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Like any art that I work on, I always hope to find the ability to engage with others. When I talk about engagement, that could mean anything whether it is praise or dislike. It is when a viewer doesn't react at all that I feel that I've failed. I hope this short film on Stephen DuPont can resonate with others or spark thoughts whether it is on photography, death, etc.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am about to work on the third short film of this series with Canon Australia in February and in the coming months, get ready to release all three online. I will also be working on two different expedition projects and another short film adventure piece for Outdoor Research and so I certainly have a few busy months coming up!
Interview: January 2017
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTIAQ+, scifi, 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
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A Restless Peace
Australian photographer Stephen DuPont has a fascination with disappearing worlds and, more particularly, with death. With camera in hand, he finds veins to mine in war, in Mexico's celebration of the Day of the Dead and in professionals who deal with the deceased.
Length: 4:48
Director: Krystle Wright
Producer: Kate Guaran
About the writer, director and producer:
Originally from Australia turned global nomad, Krystle Wright is an Adventure Photographer, Filmmaker and now Director. An ambassador for Canon Australia, she uses photography and film to engage with the world around her and ultimately captures these experiences to share with a wider audience.
Key cast: Stephen DuPoint
Social media handles:
Facebook: Canon Australia, Krystle Wright
Twitter: @CanonAustralia, @KrystleWright
Instagram: @krystlejwright @canonaustralia @stephenmdupont
Funders: Canon Australia
Made in association with: Canon Australia
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Yet to be finalized. Currently entering into film festivals and awaiting acceptances and in the coming months, Canon Australia plan to release it online. Updates will be posted on Canon Australia social accounts.