BISFF Correspondence 通信计划
为了跨越种种障碍，开辟更多交流空间，我们设置了“BISFF Correspondence 通信计划”，对部分国际单元的参展作者进行系列访谈，这些访谈将在作品放映后发布在联展各个媒体平台。
This program involves conducting brief email interviews with the directors of the international films featured in the festival, in lieu of the traditional Q&A session that follows the screenings. Through this program, we hope to provide a platform for filmmakers to discuss their work and share their insights with our audience in China.
A Farewell Ritual | 告别仪式
殷祖恒 Yin Zuheng｜2023 | 0:02:30 | United States | English
Q&A
Director导演：殷祖恒 Yin Zuheng
Interviewer邮件采访：孙江雪 Sun Jiangxue
Q1: In the synopsis of this movie, you noticed that this movie encapsulates the message of your own personal struggles, would you mind share with us what kind of a challenge you were facing with? How does your journey of finding yourself related to a ritualistic journey?
在您的电影简介中，您提到这部电影的与您个人过去的一些痛苦经历相关，您是否介意向我们分享您当时具体经历了何种层面上的问题？那段经历又是如何与这种“仪式性的”影像表达联系起来的？
A1: The challenges I grappled with over the past few years have intricately woven the narrative of "A Farewell Ritual" into a profoundly personal odyssey. It unfolds as a ritualistic journey, intimately mirroring my own struggles—both mental and physical. This film, in essence, serves as a cathartic process, a poignant means of rejuvenating memories, and a conduit for discovering sanctity and spirituality amidst life's relentless tribulations.
The majority of these challenges delve into the realms of work, artistic endeavors, relationships, self-identities, and the very essence of my existence. As an international artist navigating the complexities of life in the U.S., the onus often falls on me to confront and resolve these issues—some of which prove insurmountable. While friends may offer their support, the solitary nature of these internal and external struggles becomes starkly apparent at day's end.
From navigating shifts in my artistic pursuits to grappling with matters of the heart, feeling a sense of isolation from my home country, thousands of miles away, and even questioning the very purpose of my existence, each challenge has contributed to a cumulative effect. It reaches a tipping point where my mind craves a self-reboot, a journey inward to reset and renew.
It was precisely at this juncture that Gen-2 was introduced. Seeing it as almost magical, I decided to give it a try. The allure of exploring new realms of creativity, especially during a period of profound self-reflection, drew me in. Gen-2 became the catalyst for translating the intricacies of my personal journey into a visual and emotional masterpiece.
《告别仪式》这部电影的叙事由我过去几年所亲身经历的痛苦和挑战编织而成，它们缠绕在一起，构成了独属于我个人的一场奥德赛。它呈现为一场仪式性的旅程，并与我个人的身体与精神层面的体验和挣扎密切相关切着。这个电影本质上是一场精神的净化之旅，唤醒记忆的痛苦形式，探索神圣的渠道，以及对生活的无尽苦难的心灵探索。
这些挑战主要涉及了我的工作、艺术追求、人际关系、自我认同，以及作为我存在本质的问题。作为一个身处美国的国际艺术家，我在生活的复杂性中漫游，面临并需要解决这些问题--它们有时候是无法克服和超越的。虽然我的朋友们会援以助手，但是这些来自内外的挣扎却总在每天夜晚浮现它孤独的本质。
无论是我艺术追求上的转变，还是与自我内心的搏斗，或是与千里之外祖国的遥远距离，甚至是追问自我存在的本质问题，这些问题都在不断累积，直到一个临界点，这时我感到自己需要一个对于自我的回省，一个走向新生的自我探索之旅。
正是在这个特定的时刻，Gen-2出现了。它的确非常神奇，我决定也试一试这个工具。在这样一个亟需自我探索的时刻，对新鲜创造力的探索的魅力深深吸引了我。Gen-2成为将我的个人经历转译为视觉和情感语言形式的催化剂。
Q2: You used many sensual descriptions in the tale offered in your introduction of the movie, like a memory of achievements and regrets, how the AI understands your words? Did you have any conflicts in producing images?
在使用Runway制作这部电影时，您为AI（以及观众）讲述了一个寓言故事。但是这个故事中使用了很多感性的表达，AI是如何理解这种感性的表达，并将之转化为您想要的视觉形式的？这个过程中，您是否有感受到调教AI的困难呢？
A2: The sensual descriptions in the tale, intertwining achievements and regrets, found expression in visual poetry through the lens of the Runway App. Utilizing Runway during its early Gen-2 phase, where only Text-to-Videos was available, presented a unique challenge and opportunity. While it granted creative freedom, the drawback was spending nights waiting on generations and transforming text into hundreds of clips, albeit with a little help. Yet, I found solace in the freedom of expression this process afforded, making every sleepless night and the 800 clips I generated worthwhile.
这个寓言故事里充满了成就与悔恨缠绕在一起的感性表述，这种内容正是通过Runway找到了其视觉形式的诗性表达。在Gen-2的早期版本中，Runway还只能使用文本转视频的形式，这提供了一种独特的挑战和机遇。尽管Runway使得一种创作上的自由得以可能，但它的缺点在于需要花费大量的时间等待其不同版本，并将文本转译成上百个切片。当然，它也提供了一些帮助。终于，我在Runway最终提供的表意的自由中寻求到了安慰，在生产这800多个视频切片中度过的无眠夜晚也是值得的。
Q3: This question is related to the upper one, the tale is made up with words, but in your movie, there are no words. Why did you set this?
您讲述的寓言故事是由文字构成的，但是在您的电影中，并没有任何语言，而完全是由影像和音乐构成的，您为什么会这样设置？
A3: My decision to not use a single word or dialogue in the film was deliberate. I love letting the audiences purely enjoy the visual and music without any human voices. Also by embracing silence, the film transforms into a silent play, inviting the audience to focus on the theatrical environment. The visuals already offer a universal experience that transcends language barriers. This intentional silence allows for a more profound and universal connection as viewers interpret the narrative through their own emotions and experiences, resonating with their own spirit.
我特意设置了不使用任何语言或对话这种形式。我喜欢让观众在电影中享受纯粹的视觉以及音乐。另外，经由这种无声，影片转化为一场默剧，这能够引导观众关注影片中的戏剧性因素。视觉已然提供了一种超越语言障碍的普遍体验。这个特意设置的空白也能够建立起一种更加广泛深远的联系，使得观者召唤起个人的体验和情感，并在其自己的精神世界得到回响。
Q4: You told a story of the subject of HIM, but in your visual presentation, the feature of HIM is not very clear. He always facing back and walking backwards to the audience. Why did you make this kind of settings? Does there exist any subjectivities of a person, or you want to hide the subjectivity of the movie (but your storytelling has a very certain subject, how do you understand this?)
您为AI和观众讲述了一个“他”的故事，但是在您的视觉表达中，“他”的形象是非常不明确的，经常背对并离开观众走去。您为什么要这样设置？您的故事中是否呈现了一个主体性的人的存在，或者您是想要试图消弭这种主体性？（但是您的故事讲述中有着很强的主体性，您如何解释这种情况？）
A4: The intentional choice of having the character face backward adds a layer of intrigue and a subtle psychological element to the narrative. By keeping the front face perpetually veiled or blurred, it fosters a sense of mystery and subliminality. This deliberate withholding of a clear facial identity creates a magnetic pull for the viewer to follow, anticipating a moment where the front face might be revealed. However, that moment never comes, maintaining an enigmatic quality throughout.
In addition, it also enhances the universality of the character. By obscureing specific details like facial features or tangible human flesh, the character transcends individuality. It becomes a symbolic representation, allowing each viewer to project their own experiences and emotions onto the character. In this way, the character becomes a vessel for collective human struggles and transformations, fostering a connection that goes beyond the specifics of an individual persona.
The overall effect also elicits a sense of erring and subliminality, creating an immersive experience that encourages viewers to reflect on their own journeys and interpret the narrative in a deeper personal way.
让主人公背对观众的刻意设置一方面为影片叙事增添了吸引力，也增加了一层心理层面的微妙叙事。将正脸遮盖或模糊的方式营造了一种神秘感。这种对于面部形象的刻意遮挡能够吸引观众，因为观众希望在未来的某一刻能够看到面纱之下的真实模样。然而，这个时刻始终没有到来，也为影片维持了一种神秘的质感。
另外，这个设置也加强了这一角色的普遍性。通过模糊具体的细节，比如面部特征或身体特征，这个角色超越了其个体本身。它变成了一个具有象征意味的典型，使得每一位观者可以将主体的体验和经历投射到角色之上。通过这种方式，这个角色变成了一个容纳人类苦痛和变化的容器，进而形成了一个超越具体的、单个的形象的连接。
这一设置同样引出了一种错误和潜在的感觉，为观众创造了一种沉浸式的体验，促使他们使用一种更深层的个人达到方式，来反思其自己的人生历程，并对电影叙事加以阐释。
Q5: I noticed that you used black and red as a certain symbol of your movie. How do you understand the metaphors of those two colors?
在您的故事中有着两个强烈对立的色彩象征--深红和黑色，你如何理解这两种颜色的隐喻？
A5: Personally I love both colors. I always dress in monochrome. In this film, black extends beyond symbolizing styles; it encapsulates the aesthetic, struggles, and old memories. The essence of color transition mirrors a journey from the monochrome clothes and unsaturated terrain to the vibrant essence within. Red, in turn, symbolizes passion and transformation onwards. The robe's transition from black to crimson also visually narrates the awakening of strength and purpose.
You can feel the power sparks when you see the full terrain turns to red while his own robe also becomes scarlet. I do like the metaphor of the transformation from black to red represents the juxtaposition of depression and love, and more importantly, it is my thoughtful reminiscence and fearless farewell.
对我自己而言，这两个颜色我都很喜欢。我自己个人经常穿着黑白颜色的衣服。在这部电影中，黑色的外延超越了象征的风格，它意味着一种美学、挣扎以及过去的记忆。颜色转变的本质，反映了一种从黑白服饰、贫瘠地带到富足之地的过渡。相反红色则象征了一种后续的激情和转变。长袍从黑色到深红色的转变同样在视觉上阐释了一种力量和意图的觉醒。
在整片土地转变为红色，主人公的长袍变得猩红的时刻，你能够感受到这种力量。我喜欢从黑到红这种转变中的隐喻，它是一种将抑郁与爱意的并置。更重要的是，这是我的沉思的回忆以及无惧的告别。
▌more information: https://www.bisff.co/selection/a-farewell-ritual