Screen Archive South East is a public sector moving image archive serving the South East of England. The archive's collections of magic lantern slides, films, videos and associated materials capture the many varied aspects of life, work and creativity from the early days of screen history to the present day and serve as a rich and invaluable historical resource.
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Is This Your Life?
An unusual and visually sophisticated commentary on the routine drabness and drudgery of everyday suburban existence.
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Overview
This award winning film shows the passage of a day in the life of a couple, who are never actually seen throughout the production. Using stop-frame editing techniques we see the humdrum routine of suburban existence; getting up, cooking breakfast, commuting, shopping, doing household chores, preparing and consuming the evening meal, watching the telly and going to bed before the whole cycle is repeated the next day and the next and the next.
This short film is a fine example of the Sevenoaks Cine Society's award winning output, showing their innovative and creative approach to film-making. Stop-frame and editing techniques are used throughout to humourously describe the drabness of daily domestic life - without any dialogue or 'actors' appearing in shot. The film won a 'Specially Commended Award' from Amateur Cine World and winning films were often screened to capacity audiences at the National Film Theatre in London. These films would also tour the country in special screenings at local cine clubs and societies.
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