THE LIGHT
KEEPER
MY ROLES
"The Light Keeper" is an experimental short film that follows a troubled young woman's journey from darkness to light through photography. After discovering an old camera, she learns to capture and cherish light, metaphorically illuminating her own life. The film delves into themes of self-discovery, the nature of art, and the importance of creating for oneself rather than seeking others' approval. Through striking visuals and poetic narration, it subtly critiques social media culture while celebrating the quiet joy of personal creativity.
Producer / Writer / Director / Cinematographer / Editor / coloUrist
OVERVIEW
VISION
My vision for "The Light Keeper" was to explore the transformative power of art through a visually poetic journey. I aimed to depict a young woman finding enlightenment through photography, challenging the notion of art as external validation and celebrating personal creativity. By using light as both a visual motif and a metaphor, I sought to craft an atmospheric piece that resonates emotionally and provokes reflection on self-expression.
CHALLENGES
Production presented unique challenges as we aimed to capture perfect lighting across various locations. With no crew—just myself and the actress—we had to remain highly adaptable. We chased golden hour light, hiking to remote spots with our equipment. Shooting primarily with natural light meant contending with rapidly changing conditions, necessitating quick thinking and flexibility. Maintaining the emotional intensity of performances amid these technical challenges was crucial, often resulting in long, intense shooting days.
TECHNIQUES
DIRECTION
My directorial approach focused on cultivating an authentic, introspective performance. I worked closely with the lead actor to deepen our understanding of her character's emotional journey. Since the lead is not a trained actress, we employed a combination of guided improvisation and carefully choreographed moments to capture genuine reactions to light and the environment.
CINEMATOGRAHY
I relied almost entirely on natural light, which required meticulous planning and adaptability. For scenes in the attic, we used only a single red light bulb as our sole light source. I spent days studying how light moved across locations to ensure that even indoor scenes benefitted from perfectly timed natural light through the windows. Selecting precise locations and shooting during golden hour and blue hour was critical for achieving the desired visual progression from darkness to light.
COLOUR GRADING
Color grading played a vital role in storytelling, closely reflecting the protagonist's journey. We began with cooler tones and gradually introduced warmer, more vibrant hues as the narrative unfolded, mirroring the character's emotional evolution. Maintaining high contrast was essential to preserve the dynamic interplay between light and shadow, enhancing the overall visual impact.
FILM EDITING
In post-production, I focused on establishing a rhythmic flow that complemented the poetic quality of the visuals and narration. The pacing was meticulously crafted, gradually intensifying to allow moments of reflection while keeping the audience engaged.
MUSIC SCORE
The score for "The Light Keeper" was designed to be an integral part of the film's emotional landscape. With a minimalist approach, we crafted a tight, atmospheric soundtrack that aligns with the visual journey from darkness to light. The music subtly evolves throughout the film, mirroring the protagonist's inner transformation.
SOUND DESIGN
Sound was crucial for creating an immersive experience. We layered subtle environmental sounds with abstract elements to enhance the emotional impact of key scenes. The voice-over was carefully integrated to complement, rather than overshadow, the visual storytelling.
RECEPTION
Award winner - CKF INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL - Best Experimental short film (2024)
Notable quotes from reviews:
SCREEN CRITIX
“A small film, with a big heart, for viewers willing to embrace its natural and intimate charm; it guarantees you a connection that will be felt for a long time after the credits finish rolling”
SHORT FILM MATTERS
“‘The Light Keeper’ is about the light we all chase, even when surrounded by shadows. Highly recommended.”