The Flow of Shadows
Directed by Hing Tsang
When to watch it?
BLOCK A | THURSDAY NIGHT
THEME: There’s more than one way to tell a story
THURSDAY, APRIL 24 | 2 - 4 PM
LOCATION | The Mercantile
The Flow of Shadows (still)
Synopsis
Using translucid puppets that both cast shadows and emit light, The Flow of Shadows combines ancient manual technique with the layering of digital superimposition. Both ancient and more contemporary visual forms are combined to convey the feeling of a flowing river and the lifeforms that accompany the flow. The film is also broadly rooted in pre-Columbian indigenous culture of the Amazon, in which animals possess both spirit and agency. The cosmological patterns of traditional craft were also a source of inspiration for digital composites that drive the film forward, and serve as a backdrop for the movement of different species. Yet, the film is also contemporary in flavor, engaging with the themes of ecology and industrialization. Amidst the destruction of habitats, The Flow of Shadows is a reminder of the presence of life and potential hope for the future.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR ​​
Hing Tsang is a filmmaker and teacher based at the University of Suffolk, where he works as senior lecturer on the digital production course. He was trained as a documentarist at the National Film and Television School and worked for several years as a technician in the television and film industry.
He is also the author of Semiotics and Documentary Film (2013) Mouton Gruyter and has written numerous articles about documentary, fiction and experimental practice.
He has recently collaborated on several immersive pieces with the Anglo-Peruvian mime and puppetry artist, Jose Navarro, whose work has been seen across Asia, Latin America and Europe.
His work incorporates elements of experimental and documentary filmmaking.
DETAILS
Puppetry | 2024 | 18 min. 08 sec.
Official Selection
Suggested Rating | G
Country | United Kingdom
Language | No Dialogue
CREDITS
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Director | Hing Tsang
Producer, Cast | José Navarro (Puppeteer)
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SCREENINGS & AWARDS
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MUYUNA - Festival Internacional de Cine Selvático Flotante, Belén, Peru, May 20, 2024 (Experimental Best Film)
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Alternating Currents Film Festival, Davenport, United States, August 15, 2024 (Official Selection)
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We Make Movies International Film Festival, Los Angeles, United States, November 7, 2024 (Official Selection)
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A Lyte in the Dark, Princeton, United States, July 28, 2024 (Official Selection)
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Post-Cinema Film Festival, Siracusa, Italy, May 30, 2025 (Official Selection)
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Goa Short Film Festival, Goa, India, October 26, 2024 (Official Selection)
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FRANCIGENA FILM FESTIVAL, San Gimignano, Italy, September 19, 2024 (Official Selection)
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STOP CADRU International Film Festival, Curtea de Arges, Romania, July 26, 2024 (Official Selection)
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Alibag Short Film Festival, Maharashtra, India, October 6, 2024 (Official Selection)
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Pune Short Film Festival, Pune, India, June 3, 2024 (Official Selection)
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Portugal Indie Film Festival, Cascais, Portugal, July 2, 2025 (Official Selection)
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Ridgway Independent Film Fest, Ridgway, United States, November 14, 2024 (Official Selection)
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Athens International Digital Film Festival (AIDFF), Athens, Greece, December 12, 2024 (Official Selection)
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Ealing Film Festival, London, United Kingdom, November 25, 2024 (Experimental Best Film)