“Anti-?” Creative Documentary Photography and “Green” Short Film Production Introductory

Abstract

These two projects began as a documentary exploration of the aromantic spectrum, driven by a desire to understand and amplify aromantic perspectives and to refine the filmmaker’s approach to scriptwriting. Through conversations with individuals who identify along the aromantic spectrum, the filmmaker gathered personal narratives and transformed them into a series of creative photographs. Inspired by real experiences, these images offer visual representations of the complexities surrounding romantic attraction, relationships, and identity. This process not only deepened the filmmaker’s understanding of aromantic lives but also fostered meaningful connections, underscoring the role of documentary work in revealing personal and often unspoken truths. Building on these insights, the project evolved into a short narrative film that blends personal reflection with fictional storytelling. Inspired by the filmmaker’s experiences and the accounts gathered during the documentary phase, the film follows two queers navigating friendship and connection. The production involved extensive script development, pre-production planning, and a collaborative filming process with a cast and crew. Post-production presented new challenges in translating the screenplay’s nuances into visual storytelling, requiring creative editing solutions. Ultimately, the film serves as a personal tribute and a broader exploration of self-discovery, representation, and the emotional complexities of human relationships.