Nancy Asiamah-Yeboah presents her 3:17 min short OMNOM which is simply described as, “We are what we eat.” We talked about class, Norman McLaren, and presenting our perspectives to the world through film. We should be eating whatever Nancy is.
Q: What is your film about?
A: My film OMNOM, is about the growing culture of consumerism in the middle to upper class. There are four upper class subjects and one homeless man who partake in an average meal. The result leaves the homeless man non-existent. There is a heavy alternative/experimental tone of the film that leaves the audience to reflect on their connection made to the film as well as ask questions of themselves in relation to the themes presented in the film.
Q: Any inspirations or goals for your film?
A: the works of Norman McLaren and a filmmaker friend of mine, Rebecca Ortiz, inspired me. Both filmmakers have influenced and inspire me to make films that engage the audience and inspire discussion. My mission as a filmmaker is to make direct connections with audiences, ultimately soliciting a moment of reflection. The spectator should feel a connection to the film for the film to be whole.
Q: What is exciting about making a film?
A: I think the evolution of the film from stage to stage was something really unique that I hadn’t experienced before on a project. It taught me that art can transform at any time. That maybe not knowing what is trying to be communicated is not such a negative in art because at the end of it all, I think I created something that can be interpreted in so many different ways and can ultimately be relatable to anyone watching.
Q: Why Film?
A: Film is a medium that can incorporate so many art forms in one. It is literally a clash of moving pictures that our brains make sense of which I think is something to marvel at. The message in OMNOM needed to be told to possibly rid at least one person’s life of complacency and really appreciate the beauty in the world around us. In our anxiety-ridden society, we need to stop focusing on what we don’t have and always wanting more and more and more.
I want to be a filmmaker in order to share my perspectives on this world on a wide scale. I want my ideas, my feelings, and my fears to be communicated with many people. I’ve got a lot to say. I’ve got a lot of questions in my head, and filmmaking has always been an adequate way for me to express myself and seek answers, if any.
Nirris Nagendrarajah, Contributor
Featured image courtesy of AMPD
