“Walking Peace” by Ericka Frederick

(2m26s, Digital, Audio, 2011)

Ericka Frederick’s beautifully shot “Walking Peace” took the ThirdCoastUWM group off guard when we first sat down to watch it. The film doesn’t hesitate in its opening with a young boy walking throughout the fall season of a neighborhood. The plot is very simple integrating the diagetic sounds found in the characters environment. The film’s direction then shifts, and begins to imitate that of a zoetrope that the young character seems to be endlessly caught on the ride. This transition stands out as the metamorphosis of the film.

An email was send out to Ericka so we could get her input on her film, and as soon as that is received we will add it to the post. So check back here shortly!

Nathan Rosenbalm

“Anima Mundi” by Kate Balsley

(3m:40s, Digital, Audio, 2011)

Kate Balsley is a professor at UW-Milwaukee, and is an extremely talented filmmaker as well. A full post as well as an interview with her will be posted in the next day or two to give a broader understanding of her work, her process, and the basis behind the film for Anima Mundi

Nathan Rosenbalm

“Girls! Girls! Girls!” by Kira Klein

(3m36s, Video, Color, 2010)

“Girls! Girls! Girls!” is a sexually charged, contemplative and saturated film. Not much is know about this serious little film (other that it was featured at UW-Milwaukee’s Student Film & Video Festival in the Fall of 2010) but we like it! It’s not that common to see a female director tackle such a sexually charged topic, but Kira did it in such an empowering way that left us wanting to watch more. The film is saturated with style and confidence that it challenges the viewer to think about what voyeurism means. Also worth mentioning is the strobe effect that is featured in the film. For some it might induce an epileptic fit, yet it also closely resembles the earlier work of famed French auteur Gaspar Noe (“Enter the Void” and “Irreversible”). Kira’s film should be watched by all!

Not much is know about Kira (we haven’t been able to reach her as of yet) but as soon as we get in touch with her, we will update this post.

Nathan Rosenbalm

“cat WACO” by Brooke Duckart

(3m27s, Video, Audio, 2010)

“cat WACO” is a standout stop-motion animation student film by UW-Milwaukee’s Brooke Duckart. Shot on video using a Canon Powershot SD1300 IS, her video was used for the band Screamin’ Cyn Cyn and the Pons song “cat WACO”. That being said, this video was chosen while ignoring the soundtrack.

“cat WACO” is soaked with nostalgia. The animation is executed flawlessly, the pacing is captivating, but best of all; it has a playful quality that most animated films now are lacking. One can’t help but notice the similarities that “cat WACO” shares with certain animations produced during the seventies and eighties. The video is fun, entertaining, and unlike any animations that currently being created today.

Nathan Rosenbalm