EPISODE 213: DOCUMENTARIES: ADDRESSING THE OTHER

"Balarama & Sita Priya"

Featuring “Balarama & Sita Priya,” with director Nathan Armstrong, and “B.Y. Shoe,” with director Tim Irwin. Also featuring faculty hosts Ben Unguren and Brad Barber.

In “Balarama & Sita Priya,” Nathan Armstrong spends time with members of the Hare Krishna faith in a somewhat unexpected location: Spanish Fork, Utah. Balarama & Sita Priya are two converts to the Hare Krishna faith. Director Armstrong reports he was interested in the way their faithful involvement with this religion connects with the modern world. The film provides an eloquent demonstration how upholding the values of one’s faith and worshiping in sincerity are evidence of true devotion.

Tim Irwin knew for awhile that he wanted to make a documentary about shoes. “B.Y. Shoe” examines the shoes that people wear around campus and what that may reveal about the individual. Shoes come with a style, a story, and oftentimes a hefty price. Ultimately, "B.Y. Shoe" explores an expected contrast that causes us to reexamine some how we appraise and prioritize things like shoes.

"B.Y. Shoe"

EPISODE 212: EXPERIMENTS

"2Ne211"

Featuring “2Ne211,” with director Tim Irwin; “Pat Asplund: A Merry Widow,” with director Erin Fox; “Ode to an Orange,” with director A. Todd Smith; and “The Sari,” with director Manju Varghese. Also featuring faculty hosts Tom Lefler and Tom Russell.

In “2Ne211,” Tim Irwin interprets the scripture from 2 Nephi Chapter 2 Verse 11 by using abstract, conflicting images in split-screen, inspired from his own life experiences. On one side there is peace, but on the other there is industrial chaos, reflecting both the serenity and turmoil inherent in his and ultimately each of our lives that come with having opposition in all things.

"Pat Asplund: A Merry Widow"

Erin Fox incorporates stories about her roommate’s mother with experimental footage in “Pat Asplund: A Merry Widow.” Erin filmed Pat in a variety of settings from her day-to-day activities and brought them to life with techniques which visually communicate something complementary to what Pat may be saying. The result is a unique portrait of a unique woman, who happens to really enjoy her life.

“Ode to an Orange” was A. Todd Smith’s application film to get into the Media Arts major at BYU! One would think this imaginative short came from a more advanced student, as Todd combines Super8 footage with digital video in a vibrant interpretation of the short story by Larry Woiwode.

"Ode to an Orange"

In “The Sari,” Manju Varghese captures a daily routine from the life of an Indian woman: putting on a sari. Manju brings a sense of magic and wonder to this routine in each of her production choices, and collaborated with her family in a variety of roles to create this short film, fittingly, about familial traditions.

"The Sari"

MORE ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS:

Tim Irwin got his start making films about skateboarding and punk bands. In his own words: When I was 16 my life changed for a few reasons. I started skateboarding, and I took a video production class. I spent my time skateboarding, playing in a punk band, or making films about skateboarders and punk bands. It's amusing to me that I am doing the same things as an adult that I was passionate about as a teenager. But I'm grateful that it has worked out that way. Documentaries are my passion--all forms of non-fiction film making. I'm interested in making films about people who are passionate about what they do. I'm inspired by all sorts of flavors of art and film.

I started my professional film making at Dog on a Bike Films where I was able to be part of some really fantastic projects. It was there that I met and worked with Steve Olpin. A creative relationship that has given me many opportunities to further my craft. Steve and I still work together often and I am stoked on that. We also own a post production company together.

Check out more of Tim's work here:

www.timirwin.net

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