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Fleeting Structure

Fleeting Structure is a documentary film exploring the art and science of fluid flow and crystal growth in the living and nonliving worlds through stunning photographs and breath-taking cinematography driven by an intriguing original soundtrack. It is also a call to action to reestablish truth in society.

  • Patrick Lysaght
    Director
  • Patrick Lysaght
    Writer
  • Patrick Lysaght
    Producer
  • Mark A Dellas
    Producer
    The Shadow (La Sombra) (Short) 2014 Greatness: The Story of Floyd Patterson (Short)
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Experimental
  • Genres:
    science education, art, nature, activism, 1st time director
  • Runtime:
    50 minutes 28 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 17, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Barcelona International Film Festival
    WINNER BEST EDUCATIONAL SHORT UNDER 60 MINUTES
    BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM - OFFICIAL SELECTION
    BEST 1ST TIME FILMMAKER - OFFICIAL SELECTION
  • DRUK International Film Festival DIFF - Bhutan
    DEBUT FILMMAKER - CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARD
    DOCUMENTARY FILMS - OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
    EXPERIMENTAL FILM - CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARD
  • EURASIA Fest
    BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM - FINALIST
  • Cannes World Film Festival
    WINNER BEST SCIENTIFIC FILM
  • Boden International Film Festival, Sweden
    OFFICIAL SELECTION
  • Prague International Film Festival
    OFFICIAL SELECTION
  • Golden Harvest Film Festival, Tokyo
    WINNER BEST FEATURE FILM
  • Auber International Film Festival
    WINNER BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY
  • Lacorne International Film Festival
    WINNER BEST DIRECTOR FEATURE FILM
  • Vesuvius International Film Fest
    WINNER BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
    WINNER BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
  • World Film Carnival – Singapore
    WINNER BEST EDITING
    WINNER BEST SOUND DESIGN
  • Paris International Film Awards
    WINNER BEST INSPIRATIONAL FILM
  • Masters of Cinema Rome
    WINNER BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY
    WINNER BEST PHOTOGRAPHY
    WINNER BEST DEBUT FILMMAKER
  • Cineville Calcutta Global Cinefest
    WINNER BEST DEBUT FILMMAKER
Director Biography - Patrick Lysaght

As a research engineer in the semiconductor industry, the realization that atoms self-organize into fractal branching networks altered Patrick Lysaght’s life. For the past decade he has been telling the incredible story of physical patterns we share with the world we inhabit through an amazing collection of photos and moving images from all 7 continents.

The documentary film Fleeting Structure is based on his new book, Morphology of Fleeting Structure - the Art & Science of Fluid Flow & Crystal Growth in the Living & Nonliving Worlds. Lysaght contributes a deep appreciation of our physical connection with nature while acknowledging our uncertain future and how we must reestablish truth in society. He passionately wrote, directed, produced, and performed the soundtrack for this compelling film.

He has been jury selected as a Featured Artist by the European arts organization Circle Foundation for the Arts. His photographs are featured in Spotlight - 25, as an artist who exemplifies “current trends and original practices that tell the story of what visual art looks like today.”

He taught physics at the University of New Mexico and acoustics at the College of Santa Fe. He also served on funding panels for the New Mexico Arts Division categories of music, artist-in-residence, and interdisciplinary projects.

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Director Statement

Lysaght transcends language and cultural differences with his vision of fundamental connectivity - physical features common to the biotic and abiotic worlds alike. His inventive approach to the communication of information delightfully engages the senses.
Fractal branching networks emerge in patterns of ripples on dunes in the desert and in precise crystal structures of frost on the windshield. Our lungs, vascular, circulatory, respiratory, neural and renal systems also abide by the fractal efficiency that guides fluid flow and shapes the planet.

Along with the boundless wonder and awesome splendor that accompanies the images in this film, an underlying sense of drama flows cohesively through the tranquil yet emphatic musical accompaniment. Although life is short, we are part of something grand that has been going on without us for billions of years.
Lysaght paints natural images in saturated colors of light in the style of Vittorio Storaro to animate efficient fractal branching networks of fluid flow and the geometric precision of crystal growth.
“I’m interested in transitions - how structure forms as things change, which underscores the notion of entropy and the subtle progression of time. I try to capture the paradox of exquisite structure spontaneously emerging in our world of increasing randomness and disorder. My images represent lyrical portraits of entropy!” he has said.