Staff Pick Award in Palm Springs ShortFest 2022: "Meantime" by Michael T Workman |

I'm sick and tired of being waiting.

Aren't you,

Helping everyone around the globe improve

 Pretty and sweet?

Let's take our knives

and then cut the globe into two

and see what worms devour

At the edges.

-Langston Hughes, "Good Morning, Revolution: Uncollected Social Protest Writings

This year's winner for the Staff Pick Award at Palm Springs Shortfest 2022 will be "Meantime" written by Michael T Workman. Michael planted a camera in the home of his father Tim to make an "deeply personal investigation of the past, guilt that include guilt, labour, as well as the desire to preserve the present." This is the meaning of the logline. The best part about this movie is the fact that it isn't focusing on the vague description of human emotions. "Meantime" is an examination of the negative causes that devastate America. United States: capitalism, inhumane labor practices, inadequate assistance for those suffering from mental illnesses, and an understanding that the American concept of "pull yourself from the bootstraps" is a physically impossible endeavor. The film explores the different ways that it is to be said that people in the United States fails to fully give its citizens the best possible care all through their lives from birth to death. The words of Michael tells us in a poetic style in our Q&A "

   "It isn't evident however I'm convinced that the focus of the film is the cruelty that capitalism has produced. ...My father is the product of a culture that sees the individual as "human resources," a system that dehumanizes people who cannot be absorbed into the strict system of exploitation and labor. "

In its production, so dark and dreadful as the depressing Montana winter that it takes place in "Meantime" is a movie about wounded souls that nonetheless grew into kind and caring people.

We were able to have the opportunity to ask Michael questions about his own portrait of the family. We were amazed by his warm and thoughtful answers. Find out more about our conversation with him.

Inspiring:

   "The concept for the film came to me as I helped my father in recording his video at home. As I watched them I was struck by these profoundly moving moments in even the tiniest of instances my father recorded. There was nothing about the festivities of Christmas celebrations, birthdays or weddings that were particularly touching. The most memorable moments were those when my family was in the middleof the road, waiting for something to happen, and then discussing about, laughing or fighting. These were the times I saw the individuals I knew in different stages in their life. My understanding of their stories was growing. It's always been my personal preference to avoid the idea of creating personal films but reviewing that footage as well as returning to Montana made me want to create this film . "

His tips on filming family:

   "Working with family members is a nightmare. The ability to recognize when it was the right time to turn off the camera, or just be, was the most difficult thing. When I was in the middle of the day, both my father and I put off taking pictures. It's easy to conceal behind my camera at any moment. The best advice for those who are working as a filmmaker in the family environment is to organize the time and events that you plan to record and then use it as a limitation. You shouldn't film everything all the time, and don't follow what's going on. Consider what you would like to film and then let the camera roll. After you've finished then you're done. There is a chance to overlook something, but this is fine. It's crucial to set up a situation in which your images have chances of being profound and compelling. Then, shut off the camera , and then go on with your everyday life . "

Reaction of his family in response to the film:

   "My family members have seen the film. I watched it with my mom when I was done with this; it was one of the most emotional viewing experience I've ever had. Because this film is personal, I experienced times of feeling completely unresponsive to it and instances that caused me to cry. When I watched the film with my mom the smallest details of the film made me weep in a manner which was difficult to manage. This just shows that the viewpoint of viewers you're sharing the screen with can dramatically affect your experience this film. It was an uplifting experience for both of us and she came to a better appreciation of the viewpoint of my father's that she was unable to see at that time.

   I was the most anxious about showing the movie to my father. We had planned to go through the film, but it wasn't the right time, and he chose to watch the movie by himself. When he called me back and informed me that he'd been watching the film I was devastated. The conversation was similar to "Mike I've seen your film and I think it's an outstanding film, and I'll never again watch it." The main reason for his stress was not the vulnerability that was mentioned, but it was his own reflection in the film as in hearing his own voice. His voice made him feel uncomfortable (for me, too). ). "

On challenges faced:

   "The hardest part about creating this film was creating an era of separation between me and the film. I believe this to be the most difficult part of personal projects, and this is the one that I have encountered the most often, it doesn't work. Personal films can be emotional to the filmmaker however not to the viewers. I attempted to steer clear of this situation at any possible cost, and try to separate myself from the film , and think of it as somebody who does not know me. As I was editing the film it was an ongoing problem. I was able overcome it thanks to the support of a variety of trustworthy individuals around me who gave me accurate and constructive critique . "

What he'd like us to consider taking into account when watching the film:

   "It might not seem evident, but I am convinced that the main theme of the film is that of the ugliness of capitalism. That is, in the end, what is the cause of my dad's struggle to have a pleasant and secure life. While abuse may be the root of my dad's struggle, the failure to heal from the experience is an issue of society rather than an individual one. My dad is part of a society which sees the human as "human resources" which is a system that dehumanizes those who are not able to adhere to a rigid system that exploits labor.

   Capitalism gives people in the working class two choices: work or beg on the street. Though this isn't explicit in the movie, it is the basis of the plot. The people in my father's position could have access to a robust system of physical and mental health as well as the ability to live in a home and eat and didn't have to demonstrate their rights as human beings through the squalor of their living conditions. They could lead happy and secure lives in which they would be able to heal from their injuries.

   One of the most significant facts about the film's titles is that the stroke of dad came upon him by an anxiety attack at work because the firm sought to improve profits by understaffing the facility where the worker was employed. It became clear that this was an ongoing issue for him during the process of making the film, after which I realized that stress at work rather than stress that comes from being a parent was what led to my father's mental health issues when I was a child.

   I also hoping that the film will inspire viewers to cherish the time they get with loved ones, and to discuss the consequences of trauma and hardship through compassion and an open space. In the end, the heart of this film lies in caring for our parents by understanding them as complex individuals and cherishing their precious time they have . "

Michael's suggestions for new film makers:

   "I constantly tell my students to be an outspoken fighter to maintain their passion to create films. At every turn, the industry will attempt to push your into the middle of the road to make your a tool for someone else. They'll attempt to take the fun from the process and create artificially high stakes in order to make some of the most inept media. Anyone who's been on an advertising agency knows this. My advice is to always take part in something that makes you excited even if you don't get paid for it. Make films you make yourself or in other activities that leave you feeling as if you're an artist. If you're part of Sundance and you've forgotten the pleasure of making films, why are you even working on this? ? "

What's next?

   "I'm developing a feature documentary idea that will be an observational movie with a character driven woven narrative set in a small town extracting minerals in Montana. The project is in its early stages of development so I'm not able to say about it at this time.

   I'm currently writing a story about people working on projects which they know is ineffective. If you're seeking an employment opportunity similar to this one, you can contact me through email. There is currently a need for . "

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