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First, the Recap:
To originate, generate, design, and create. The methods by which this can all be achieved are, for the most part, almost infinite. Contained within those possibilities there is the chance to express, to elicit response, to touch the heart, to spark the inventive mind, to speak messages that have influence. Such is the world of art, its ever-evolving brush strokes or pencil lined-based formations causing us to sit back and revel in all that is being said by the artist’s hand. Whether it might be through an interpretation of a spontaneous conversation between two people as they discover newfound joy in mutual admiration, or the simple yet equally complex rendering of specific single objects that slowly manifest into the picture of something greater and deeper. This is the world of art, and it is as prolifically moving as ever.
Next, my Mind:
From what I understand it is the only filmmaker whose work got a double feature at the 2020 Berlin Revolution Film Festival, and as the combined length of both films equaled just under the 6-minute mark, I felt it might be okay to create a multiple review post to expound on the always creative, beautifully executed, and inventively poignant work of director/artist Marijke de Belie, whose effort “Femimam” I reviewed here from the 2018 Berlin festival. Of course what’s always nice to witness is that from any repeat filmmaker’s efforts is that they haven’t lost their touch, and I feel highly confident to express that is the case here with this duo from de Belie.
With the first title above, translating effective into “A Few Boards”, de Belie utilizes her unique brand of pencil line drawing/sketching skills again, in only a little over three and a half minutes, to take us on a journey of foundational beginnings that begin to morph into a grander object while allowing us to see the entire process of creating, erasing, and re-creating the image that continues to build and build until its final incarnation is completed and the whole becomes evident. While it may be one theme/one object in total here, it is not just a straightforward artistic study, but a statement about the very nature of so many things we do.
We are in a constant state of reinvention as human beings and individuals, always experiencing change, looking for improvement, and this film brings us through those stages of advancement, growth, and progression in a very relatable, viable way when taken out of just the context of a penciled image. I think that remains the beauty of art, of multiple interpretation, of the greater meaning behind the work, and de Belie has always had this illustrative power in her work. Multiple shades of pencils are employed, which gives us an ebb and flow to the atmospheres being shown, a sense of both chaos and calculated expression paired with the affecting music score.
The second title above, at a mere two minutes eighteen seconds, is a magnificent mix of watercolor pencil and accompanying animation to achieve a stirring portrait and interpretation of friendship between two women formed solely through their voices and the drawn imagery, which in itself is focused on nothing but their hands. But, the magic of it is that we are deftly reminded about just how much is “said” with our hands, an expressiveness when we’re describing something, and that is interwoven throughout this film with accomplished precision that makes such an abbreviated series of moments have a compelling, convincing humanity to it.
Additionally, this critic felt that the even larger scope and intent behind this effort was to make us realize there IS so much overt marvel that should and does come to life when recognizing another close to us for the influence and/or impact they’ve had upon us. It’s an adulation, even a surprise, that isn’t at all about someone just trying to stroke our ego or throw out platitudes, but rather truly show that level of appreciation for what the bond between us means and how it continues to allow them to have equal joy. Frankly, this critic can relate to this when filmmakers happen to express their feelings for something I wrote about their project, which is fulfilling yes, but more so makes me glad that something I created was able to touch another life or lives in a positive way. Mutual respect and genuine sentiment is direly needed in this day and age.
In total, “Quelques Planches” and “Omeyma” very much stands as shining examples of two worlds that are art unto themselves, film and, well, artwork, but combine here to speak well beyond just the illustrations our eyes get to wonder at. Allow the images to transport your mind to the concepts being illustrated underneath it all, and I feel you’ll come out of both efforts with not just a new appreciation of pencil-based art, but with a more challenging and inspiring view of what it is to appreciate what we have around us and through each other.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
