Project Creator's Name & Bio

Joanna&Rubens Use the latest technology to respond to application integration and research in music/movies/games/art/interactive science/XR/AI/AIoT/Digital Twins and other related fields. Avant-garde and innovative creations have been recognized by various film festivals and CG competitions around the world, Europe and the United States. ASIAGRAPH 2023/2022 in Tokyo selected, Best Experimental Film Award at Delta International Film Festival, New York, USA, USA New York Neorealism Film Awards.

Project Name & Bio

Thus Spoke Zarathustra The logic of creating visual music is to convert music and sound effects into corresponding visual expressions. Through synesthesia between different senses, the infiltration of music is closely induced, thereby generating tension in visual presentation, and strengthening the liaison between visual art and music. At the end of this work, variations of color and light between the visible sound and the loud music are added to produce a full expression of sounds and visual images. This work begins with analyzing Nietzsche's concepts of “Three metamorphoses” and “Eternal Return” in his book “Thus Spoke Zarathustra”, then uses the theory of “Unlimited Semiosis”, and “Chain of Semiosis” and “Emersiologie” (Emersiology) to try to explore Nietzsche's concept to explores the auditory and visual communication of conceptual objects.

Who are the people who have influenced your filmmaking?

Our experimental film "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" is deeply influenced by Nietzsche's philosophical work "Thus Spoke Zarathustra." In line with Nietzsche's depiction, the film seeks to explore realms beyond human cognition, searching for individual freedom and transcendence. With its unique visual style and experimental narrative, the film echoes Nietzsche's profound reflections on humanity and freedom. Through the mesmerizing combination of cinematography and music, the film presents the themes of transcendence, rebirth, and freedom inherent in Nietzsche's philosophy. The storyline follows the core concepts of Nietzschean philosophy, integrating the possibilities of transcendence into the visual and auditory experience, immersing the audience in a sense of transcendence.

Could you share any amusing stories or incidents that happened during your process of making the project?

During the production of the experimental film "Thus Spoke Zarathustra," we encountered many interesting stories and events. Technologically, we employed cutting-edge 3D techniques to create visually stunning effects that transcend reality. Simultaneously, multimedia music played a central role in the film. Through the orchestration of music and the integration of visual elements, we successfully broke free from the constraints of traditional cinema, delivering a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience.

Can you describe a challenges you faced while working on this project, and how you overcame it?

During the production of the experimental film "Thus Spoke Zarathustra," we encountered several challenges. Firstly, achieving a visually stunning aesthetic in the realm of 3D spatial representation required in-depth research. Secondly, synchronizing sound effects with the visual elements posed a challenging task that demanded precise coordination and adjustments. After numerous experiments and dedicated efforts, we ultimately succeeded in overcoming these challenges, creating a unique piece that harmoniously integrates both visual and auditory dimensions.

How can you collaborate effectively with an editor to shape the final version of your project?

Effective collaboration with the editor was crucial in shaping the final version of the experimental film "Thus Spoke Zarathustra." Through in-depth discussions, we integrated the changing dimensions of abstract objects with the rhythm and melody of the sound. This collaboration required us not only to find the optimal visual representation of motion but also to coordinate with the sound effects to achieve a consensus on the overall aesthetic. Through close cooperation with the editor, we successfully crafted the final version of the film, realizing the team's shared understanding of visual and auditory aesthetics.

What was your actual budget for making this project? If you were given more resources, how would you like to proceed?

The actual budget for producing the experimental film "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" with a three-person team over three months was $20,000. With additional resources, including a budget increase, we would enhance hardware performance, potentially expanding the scale of the rendering farm and increasing memory capacity. Simultaneously, there would be a significant expansion of the music database to achieve higher film quality. These improvements would contribute to reaching a higher standard of cinematic quality and audio-visual experience.

Could you please tell us what projects you are planning to work on next?

Looking ahead, we plan to embark on more exciting projects. The experimental film "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" has garnered numerous awards and recognition globally, and we are truly honored by this achievement. Once again, we express our gratitude to the various film festivals for their acknowledgment. Moving forward, we will continue to delve into the research of novel visual aesthetics, exploring broader artistic realms with the aim of bringing more innovation and breakthroughs in our future projects.

Could you share with us a proud accomplishment from your creative journey?

On our creative journey, we have achieved achievements that fill us with pride, receiving awards and accolades at numerous film festivals globally, including in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, India, and more. These recognitions were unexpected surprises during the production process. These accomplishments not only affirm our dedication but also reflect the high praise our work has received from audiences and juries worldwide, inspiring us to continue exploring the depths of art and innovation.

What are the biggest challenges of making a film today and how can the festival circuit help achieve your dream?

One of the biggest challenges in filmmaking today is dealing with the abundance of AI graphics and dynamic video generation software. We see this as an opportunity and are actively exploring how to complement contemporary AI tools to produce images that are more futuristic and culturally relevant. Instead of rejecting AI tools, we seek to harness their potential in the creative process. Furthermore, touring film festivals is a crucial avenue for realizing our dreams. Through these events, we have the chance to introduce contemporary cinema to a broader audience, expanding the impact of our work.

What advice do you have for individuals who aspire to become filmmakers/writers?

For those aspiring to become filmmakers or writers, my advice is this: If you aim to be a filmmaker, cultivate an intense passion and pursuit for visuals, coupled with the courage to face failures. Filmmaking is an art and an adventure, often accompanied by risks and perseverance. As for aspiring writers, my recommendation is to read extensively. Immersing yourself in a variety of stories and literary works can spark creativity and deepen your understanding of how to enhance interesting narratives through logical and structured writing.

Share your experiences and suggestions for improving the Stingray International Film Festival.

We are immensely grateful to Stingray International Film Festival for providing us with this rare opportunity to be part of such an outstanding event. Throughout this experience, we have deeply appreciated the festival's professionalism and excellence in various aspects. We offer a few suggestions, hoping to contribute to the continuous improvement of the festival. Once again, thank you, and we look forward to seeing Stingray International Film Festival thrive globally and enhance its visibility on the world stage.