PROJECT STATEMENT: This 7-minute short film documents the planning and implementation of an art installation composed of the shredded paper waste generated by a
landscape architectural firm over a twelve-week period. By exhibiting this physical manifestation of the concept of sustainability in a uniquely entertaining fashion, the film seeks to educate the viewer and spur them to action.
PROJECT NARRATIVE: The intended purpose of the short film So What?, was to chronicle the planning and implementation of an annual temporary art installation created by a landscape architectural firm – and to present this documentary to a wide audience.
The basic premise of the film, and the installation itself, is that the term “sustainability” has been overused to the point of becoming meaningless – and that it is time to reflect on the true meaning of the word. The firm proposed shredding three months
worth of its discarded paper – including drawings, specifications, and correspondence – to create towers of shredded paper. These towers were exhibited in a local gallery space in the form of a reconstructed forest to create this provocative statement on the nature of sustainability. As shown in the film, the paper trail was then restarted as the shredded paper began to be uniquely reintegrated into the landscape.
So What? was created in-house by a landscape architect who is an award-winning filmmaker. This relationship between filmmaker and firm has resulted in a final product with a unique insight into the core issues raised in the film – as well as that of the design process itself.
The targeted audience of the film So What? includes persons interested in art and sustainability issues; students seeking inspiration about the breadth and possibilities of the landscape architectural profession; and clients and fellow design professionals with the
authority to implement sustainable concepts in their projects.
The global reach of the Internet has made it the primary focus for distribution of the film. It is currently available for download from both the corporate web site of the landscape architectural firm as well as that of the filmmaker – a popular web site visited by thousands of users annually. Additionally, the film is touring the film festival circuit having been submitted to a number of festivals including Sundance, Slamdance, and South By Southwest (SXSW) – and
is being screened at festivals focused on documentaries and environmental issues.
A DVD of the film – which includes a series of other short films the filmmaker has made in collaboration with the firm – has been created for distribution to clients, design professionals, and particularly students. It will be handed out in the coming months as representatives from the firm visit students at local schools and universities.
|
