Each city has its unique stories. The Citizen's Project brings
together twenty filmmakers from all over the globe to tell a story
that captures something unique about the location they live in. The
result is a fantastic collection of short form documentaries, shot
on Super 8 and collated as a web-doc, which, when viewed as a
collection resonate with global themes and concerns.
The Citizen's Project is one of the first Internet produced
collection of global documentaries. Using on-line networks and
forums, and shot mostly on Super 8mm film, this project was
devised, sourced, managed and exhibited solely through the
Internet. It is an example of what can be achieved through the
grassroots filmmaking community, or as it is now being called: the
'user generators'. With very simple equipment and little budgets,
filmmakers are able to produce films that shine in content and
form.
Early documentary is full of enigmatic images that haunt the
modern viewer. Deep in focus and dense in subjects, the eye is free
to roam and given the space to interpret what it sees. The implied
audience is an intelligent one, not in need of simple and immediate
answers.
What we wanted to do in this project is to try to return to the
more early form, telling the story of people and places, and most
importantly giving the audience the respect to believe they can
find their own relationship with the stories and images. Super 8mm
film was the best way to introduce limitations in shooting ratios,
while also giving these films a distinct look. Ironically, it has
taken modern technology in the guise of the Internet to allow us
the opportunity to get these films made and seen.
To watch these films goto the website www.citizens-project.com