In her diploma project film, Verena Repar guides the narrative through the stigmatized realms of shock, isolation, despair, and ultimately, acceptance of the inevitable. Partially in co-creation with Stable Diffusion AI this new medium proved to be a brilliant method, allowing the relinquishing of control to become a shaping force in the artistic process.
Sounddesign: Haris Kahriman
Music: Lan Sticker, Tom Liesinger, Bernhard Hadriga
Portraying the personal experience of a fatal loss, the diploma film „echoes of grief“ seeks to verbalize the unspeakable. A journey through phantasmagoric realms, oscillating between shadow and light, past and present, sorrow and solace. Guided by a faint shimmer illuminating an ever-changing path out of the dark, lined with memories of the irretrievable.
Death constitutes an undeniable reality pertaining to every living entity. Despite its ubiquitous nature, we often remain oblivious to the finiteness and fragility of our frail lives. It appears inherently human to repress the ephemeral quality of our existence, which in turn keeps discussions about loss and grief largely taboo, particularly in Western societies. This avoidance and repression contribute to a lack of comprehension and support for mourning individuals. A social stigma surrounding the matter makes it challenging for grievers to articulate their internal struggles and seek comfort from others, resulting in sentiments of isolation, loneliness and even shame.
The film´s objective is to foster a nurturing environment for open dialogue by giving voice to the unexpressed. While striving to act as a source of identification, the film aims to offer solace and comfort.
„echoes of grief“ is the tracing of paths, the story about losing a person and simultaneously the loss of one’s own identity. It’s a journey of dwelling and moving, reorienting and seeking. Unlike the symptoms of depression, grief constantly changes; it allows no lingering. Only by acknowledging and challenging the societal taboo and stigma, we can initiate the process of healing and promote empathy and understanding for those coping with a fatal loss.
