Emerson thesis -- Film and media art

Overview

"Hyphen is a magic[al] realist, short fiction film based on the director's own memories and experiences. It follows the transformative chronicle as four character versions: Mimi, Maia, Mia, Ria. They learn to use imaginative forms of art, dance, and music to realize each of their dreams, fears, and achievements. Conjuring the impalpable power of creativity, they are able to overcome different challenges to create their own identities past cultural and gender expectations." --Abstract.

Overview

"A film about a Cuban-American, queer, teen as she navigates a toxic relationship with her abusive mother, set amongst the pop-punk, emo scene of 2006." --Abstract.

Overview

In Boston, a Chinese couple, an old policeman, and two teenagers' lives intersect with each other because of a wallet.

Overview

"The ecstasy of a queer saint brings her to the gates of heaven. In a celebration of the Divine Queer, the "Patron Saint of Jackalopes" reimagines religion and history as queer deities wearing Jamall Osterholm's fashion line interact within a mystical landscape." -- Abstract

Overview

"Offcuts: A 4-minute experimental film featuring underwater footage, exploring the topics of identity, fear and purpose." -- Summary "Knitting: This story follows a 7-year-old girl whose grandmother and mother struggle with caring for their aging grandfather." -- Summary "I'm [Not] Okay: Selena, a closeted teen with an abusive mother, struggles to come to terms with her identity during the most difficult period of her life." -- Summary

Overview

"A film that covers the problems with relationships in the modern high tech era. The stand-up comedian covers a plethora of issues that men and women face while trying to co-exist in a relationship while also trying to maintain self-image and peer pressure. The stand-up routine is also intertwined with a session of girl talk during which women talk candidly with each other about difficulties in relationships." --Abstract.

Overview

"A short narrative film captures the daily life of a three-generations of a Chinese family while the grandfather suffers through the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Through the eyes of a little girl, we see family members’ different emotional reactions to the old man’s irreversible dementia and how it affects the girl’s perception of death." --Abstract.

Overview

"'Lions' Heads is a short Chinese family drama that follows an over-caring mother who surprises her son with an overseas visit. While the film's delicious food elements create a warm family tone, at its core the story explores underlying themes of anxiety and depression in international student communities and domestic violence." -- Abstract

Overview

"A thirteen-minute narrative film that centers on a mother and son pair at a local laundromat. The mother does laundry for her neighbor in exchange for extra money, but the son accidentally causes a color spill and dyes the neighbor’s laundry. Having witnessed his own mother’s breakdown for the first time in life, the boy learns and realizes his responsibility to the family." --Abstract.

Overview

"A magic realism coming-of-age short film about an independent college freshman who hopes he can cut himself off from his helicopter parents. But after they are gone he discovers he needs family and tries to get them back." --Abstract.

Overview "Nafs Said is a story about an Indian-Muslim housewife, Maryam, whose mundane life is abruptly interrupted by an opportunity to finally explore her desires. Maryam is a new immigrant in America and has always craved agency. Despite this being a source of unease and frustration, Maryam resigns herself to a relationship that allows women to only participate passively. Nafs Said is a study of the rhythms of domestic life and how women mold themselves around religious and cultural expectations...

Overview

"A 23-minute multi-narrative film that poses a reflection on time and parting. Four independent storylines intersect in a way that knit twelve characters' vignettes together, implying the melancholy truth -- separation is happening on every clock tick." --Abstract.

Overview

"This project is a short documentary about Wendy Carlos, a composer and technical innovator in the field of electronic music. Interviews and monologues detail the difficulties that a group of young transgender people have faced in finding their ancestors' history. The filmmaker recounts her own discovery of Carlos and creates new music in tribute to her influence." -- Abstract

Overview

"A fictional narrative film about a desperate mother’s return from her new habitat to save her young son from dying in a polluted world. While the mother plans to save the child in a mysterious unconventional way, the father insists on the medical treatment for the boy and a life in the polluted world." --Abstract.

Overview "In the face of paralyzing polarization, disgust in American institutions, and public apathy, there are people who believe that public service is a civic duty and obligation. "Public Servants" is a documentary that takes us close to these volunteers and their chosen candidates, as they campaign for a seat in the US House of Representatives in the 3rd congressional district of Massachusetts. Their simple, daily acts attempt to convince neighbors, family and strangers that democracy is alive...

Overview "Sandcastles is a short narrative drama set in a small town neighbouring Beirut, Lebanon. A young woman from a modest family, Samar, navigates her daily life through a patriarchal society whilst trying to find a better future for herself. One fateful night after trying to get back home from work, she takes a public cab home. The disturbing events of that night push her to take the decision to want to leave. But will she get to, amidst a heightened sensitive political climate? This original...

Overview

"Shraddha is a short narrative drama that explores ideas of faith and spirituality in a land of many religions, India. The characters in the film are representational of the different perceptions people have about Hindu Saints/God-men in the country." --Abstract.

Overview ""Solo Artist: A Noise Musical" investigates the theme of sound as a device for communication and self-exploration. In the piece, solitude and unexpected circumstances impact the artist's relationship with sound expression. The story unfolds as a quarantined musician who fantasizes themselves as a vampire, following the artist as they become influenced– morphing their musical direction. "Solo Artist: A Noise Musical" explores a transition from composed music to experimental noise…and...

Overview "'Something Beautiful About A Bicycle' is a fictional anthology inspired by my experience as a bicycle commuter in cities across the country. In each episodic narrative the bicycle connects with a new protagonist and conveys their deepest desires through an amalgamation of magical realism, Classical Hollywood and Neorealist filmmaking. Originally conceived as a bicycle advocacy piece, each episode looks to highlight different social issues facing urban communities across the nation....

Overview "A short dramatic narrative film about a 17-year-old boy named Cody whose parents have succumbed to an addiction to opioid painkillers after the closing of the local paper mill where they were employed. Faced with a bleak family life at home, and the depressing surroundings of an unraveling post-industrial community, while yearning for something better, Cody must decide whether to give in to the urge to escape or to remain and fight for a better future for himself and his family. This is a...