CIRCLES, 6min., USA
Directed by Alijah Johnson
"Circles" is a visually stunning short film that takes the audience on a symbolic journey of personal transformation. The protagonist undergoes a profound metamorphosis, depicted through allegorical scenes representing different stages of self-discovery and growth. "Circles" explores the intricate dance between self-discovery, vulnerability, determination, sacrifice, and artistic power. Through its rich symbolism and powerful visuals, the film invites viewers to reflect on their own journeys of transformation and the circles they navigate in becoming their true selves.

https://www.instagram.com/alijah.aj/?hl=en

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/circles-review

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Well, the inspiration behind "Circles " stemmed from a deeply personal experience I went through a breakup with my ex-girlfriend. Instead of letting that experience crush me, I decided to channel that energy into something transformative. It was like becoming an alchemist, transmuting pain into creative fuel. As I delved deeper into exploring energies and self-discovery, I realized the power we have over our own filters. I believe we create filters we have a process of interpreting information that we're not fully aware of and become aware of we choose to let in and how we process it. Which takes a lot of self exploration to become aware of. This journey of self-awareness and transformation became the driving force behind the film. I wanted to emerge from that dark phase as a completely new person, (dark night of the soul double entendre for the mountain scene) and this film captures that journey of metamorphosis. This film was like medication for me, especially during a period of depression and profound personal transformation. Going through a metamorphosis is very uncomfortable, much like many processes in nature where growth is necessary. For instance, plants breaking through soil or butterfly coming out a cocoon. It's not pretty or comforting, but it's necessary for growth. A lot was Inspired by Dante's Inferno, the theme of circles reflects the idea that we can get stuck in one perspective or state of consciousness, trapped by our irreplaceable filters. This film served as a reminder that exploring new perspectives is essential for personal growth, even if it means destroying old aspects of ourselves. The process of making the film was just as therapeutic as the final product. It taught me that I have the power to bring my visions to life and that the journey as an artist brining things from the unseen world that you only have access to, to reality is challenging but rewarding. Ultimately, "Circles" became a message to myself, guiding me through my own transformation and helping me learn valuable lessons not only when I was making it but also for myself in the future.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

it took me 2 years

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Multilayered metaphor

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Getting people to understand what I was making. One of the biggest obstacles in creating the film was integrating personal elements into the narrative. I deliberately infused the film with aspects of my own life, like little "landmines," strategically placed for curious viewers to discover. These personal touches serve as hidden gems or Easter eggs for those who delve deeper into my story. Like me being a firefighter and paramedic, incorporating these aspects of my identity into the film was both challenging and rewarding. It required careful thought to ensure they seamlessly connected with the themes of the films. These connections between unrelated elements often led to moments of artistic epiphany, and when these different ideas merged they created something truly unique and fulfilling.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was very surprised because this film was so personal to me and it's amazing to see that people are able to understand what it's about because it so abstract, I was going through something very hard to articulate with words, im so grateful to create this as my first short film.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

Symbols are not compelling than words, I think one of the hardest things about having a conversation is that you can only use words.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

500 days of summer.

I can watch that movie every couple of months or years especially after every breakup or failed talking stage and come up with a new interpretation about relationships it interesting to see my brain notice and think of new things when I'm watching that movie. The last time I watched it I understood that you appear as a hopeless romantic to the wrong person.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

I think what you guys did was great the the audience feedback video was very good because it was nice to see other peoples interpretation of it, and again it was very fulfilling that my ideas didn't fall on deaf ears.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

It was very easy process.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I would say pizza

11. What is next for you? A new film?

Right now I'm working on a fashion film for a hair show in August that I'm going to be a model in also. The theme is pollution and I found a new word that I'm drawn to which is eclectic. I have a lot of interest and wear many hats and I learn that a lot of things from different skills bleed over. Kinda like in the karate kid with wax on wax off. And it's just coming with creating a visuals that conveys eclectic. And I think people might disagree but pollution is a byproduct of something that is helping us survive in this world. And I think stating that unpopular is what art is about controversy not to provoke anger but by presenting things with a new prescriptive.