Negotiating-z: Videographic torpedoing and the art of videographic thinking

This film explores the work of film director Terrence Malick. However, as a result, it also shares the output as a contribution to the development of the video essay format. This work stands as a documentary video essay, rather than typical video essay. The film delves into the convergence of the video essay format with documentary filmmaking, drawing from the performative and participatory aesthetic style and incorporating the refractive practices of the essay film form to analyse Malick's oeuvre. By synthesising these approaches, the video essay embodies a form of academic cinema, blending creative practice methodologies with cinematographic techniques to craft audiovisual commentaries on Malick's cinematic style and unique approach to filmmaking. Additionally, it showcases the development of my own practice in advancing academic cinema through the creation of this docu-video essay, providing insights into my interpretation of Malick but also the methodological framework that developed out of this process.