Ouroboros
The search for a portal to birth other worlds continues, again.
Interview with Director/Editor Toko Shiiki
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Artist Graem Whyte selected me to collaborate on this short film, representing the themes present in his artworks.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
One can directly experience the elusive nature of the pursuit of "the meaning of being alive" that people often chase throughout their lives, as well as the cycle of grasping it only to return to the starting point and continue moving forward again.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I am currently in the midst of this very process, and it's a deeply personal theme for me as well. By omitting explanations through words, it has become an open-ended narrative that could also become someone else's story anywhere in the world.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
We didn't have an actual written script; instead, we conveyed the story through drawings by the artist Graem Whyte. It took the form of a highly open-ended "visual script." As the director, this presented both a challenging and enjoyable process of crafting a visual narrative grounded in someone else's artwork.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
For example, "We found your film to be both mysterious and evocative, with its emphasis on circles within circles apt for the title of the film. It’s attractively designed and immaculately filmed."
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Not really! (sorry...)
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I hope more viewers get to know about it and feel enthusiastic about delving deeper into it and truly "experience" it!
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Distributors and film festival directors!
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
This is an exceptionally open-ended story. My aspiration is for each viewer to craft their own narrative and perceive their lives from a slightly altered perspective!
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
After watching it, viewers ask themselves, "What did I really see?"
Would you like to add anything else?
If you are curious, please check out my website: https://tokoshiiki.com
Thank you!
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I've been engaged in creating multiple short documentary films spotlighting female artists in Detroit, as well as capturing the journey of a female theater group that experienced a hiatus amid the pandemic.
Interview: August 2023
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
Ouroboros
The search for a portal to birth other worlds continues, again.
Length: 2:50
Director: Toko Shiiki
Producer: Donald Harrison
Writer: Graem Whyte
About the writer, director and producer:
Born and raised in Japan, TOKO SHIIKI spent most of her life in Tokyo before moving to Michigan in 2005. Toko's pursuit of using powerful imagery as a narrative medium inspired her to explore documentary filmmaking and visual storytelling. Through these mediums, she takes joy in encountering captivating individuals and conveying their stories to a global audience.
Based in Hamtramck, GRAEM WHYTE is an artist born and raised in metro Detroit. His work utilizes a wide array of materials and fuses sculpture, architecture, installation, and relational art. He has exhibited nationally and internationally, and has received several awards for his work. He is the co-founder and artistic director of the arts venue, Popps Packing, and teaches foundry at the College for Creative Studies.
DONALD HARRISON launched 7 Cylinders Studio in 2012 and serves as lead producer & director, working on client projects in all aspects of production, strategy, and outreach. As an independent filmmaker, he’s produced and directed the feature documentary Welcome to Commie High and several short films that have screened nationally.
Key cast: Graem Whyte
Hashtags used: #experimentalfilm #experimental #videoart #art #visualart #performingart
Made in association with: Kresge Arts in Detroit
Funders: Kresge Arts in Detroit
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Cinequest is our last festival!
Cinequest Sat, Aug 19 at 12 pm - Hammer Theatre Center, San Jose, and Thu, Aug 24 at 9:30 pm - Mt View ShowPlace ICON Theatre & Kitchen #2
https://tickets.cinequest.org/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=292746~a12ee803-7eae-437e-8208-1c4d52da2020&