We – the modern human (Homo Sapiens) have embarked on a 12,000 year journey that presently sees us where we are today whereby we’ve created complex civilisations and social structures. Within this time we’ve compiled, measured and collected countless amounts of data documenting our existence, at present the online space the new frontier in terms of the archive of human history it holds. Delving into this facet of human history further are composer Jamie Perera, artistic filmmaker Katherine Round and journalist Leah Borromeo in their audio visual presenting their work Twelve Thousand Years in Fragments playing as part of the Electric Dreams Online Festival.
Forming part of their Climate Symphony’ Project’, Twelve Thousand Yearsmerges visuals supplied by both the creative team and viewers with a soundtrack that creaks, howls, drones, screeches, pierces – curating an entertaining audio visual experience of the history of humanity without necessarily overtly imposing their own ideas or signifying a particular moment in time. This marks out Twelve Thousand Years as a unique experience as we’re allowed to form our own narratives, differing images perhaps holding a deeper meaning for each viewer, each with their own sentimental value. With what we’re currently experiencing and witnessing at present, it would be fascinating to watch this in years to come and see what sentiment is gathered from that.
When watching I pick up on particular motifs, the elements of fire, water, earth and air integral to our survival. Imagery of wildlife, from birds hatching to elephant herds travelling serve as a reminder that we are not the only creatures to inhabit the earth. Witnessing the growth of a plant to the magnitude of our seas and oceans further highlight how small we are in comparison to the nature around us. From footage of crops being harvested to a tree being cut down, we begin to witness our relationship between ourselves and nature, interdependence crucial, simultaneously, how are we looking after what is around us? Images of industry indicate how we continually build, footage of families migrating displays the importance of collectivism and the social aspect of humanity. Images of war highlight the destruction caused by humanity to achieve dominance, only a handful of quotes feature throughout the 40 minute experience – “All is Serene” one that stands out, again completely up to the viewer to draw their own conclusion.
A film that transcends time, location, age amongst other things, Twelve Thousand Years is a meditative, thought provoking history lesson, its open structure allowing for anyone viewing to interpret how they wish.
Review written by Lucy Basaba.
Twelve Thousand Years in Fragments is a part of this edition’s Electric Dreams Online Festival until Tuesday 11th August. To find out more about the production, visit here…
For the interview with composer Jamie Perera and filmmaker Fatherine round, visit here…
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