Kiseru

Hello, I'm Igor Neljak, and I want to invite you into the world of "Kiseru", my master’s project for MET Film School Berlin. This project is very close to my heart, and I'm thrilled to share the journey of its creation with you.

I'm here to give you a peek behind the scenes, to help you understand where our ideas came from and what we're trying to achieve. Working on this project as a writer, director, and producer, I attempt to bring my thoughts about life, humanity, and technology into a tangible form. For me, "Kiseru" is not just a film; it's a canvas where philosophy, AI, and human introspection converge.

Let's dive in!

I. Inspiration

"Kiseru" draws inspiration from various sources that have piqued my interest throughout my life. Cosmology, parapsychology, trans-humanism, sacred geometry, mathematics, to name just a few. Additionally, the works of Okakura Kakuzō on the tea ceremony and the Japanese concept of Ikigai have significantly influenced this idea.

II. Narrative Approach

"Kiseru" doesn't follow a simple path. Within the framework of contemporary science fiction, I wanted to create a film where the narrative structure mirrors the complexities of its themes.
Our film follows a synthetic being on a quest to understand the meaning of life. As it embarks on a journey, it encounters a mysterious figure who challenges its perception of existence.
To achieve this, I decided to work on two distinct levels. The first level echoes themes of love, life, legacy, and what it means to be human. The second level explores the relationship between organic and synthetic forms. Through these lenses, I aim to draw viewers into an experience that challenges their perceptions of what it truly means to be human and what constitutes ethical technology use in everyday life.

The two main characters represent the polarities of our time, encompassing intellectual, societal, technological, and cultural dimensions. Notably, the femme fatale archetype, typically portrayed as seductive and manipulative, takes on a new role, representing knowledge and intelligence, thus challenging traditional gender representations within this specific genre.
The film's structure takes viewers from minimalist technological urban settings to a deep connection with nature, symbolizing the polarity between artificial and sentient life.

Collaboration and trust were paramount in working with the actors. I decided to omit any rehearsals prior to principal photography and, through long conversations and props, gave the actors the liberty to build their characters from scratch. Once we were on set, we created an environment where the actors could express themselves fully, bringing authenticity to their roles.

III. Aesthetic choices

Three key elements significantly influenced my aesthetic choices.
Firstly, I explored the symbolism of numbers in Japanese culture, particularly the significance of the number three. This number, known for its oddity and symmetry, holds a sacred place even in the work of Nikola Tesla. In Japanese culture, it represents creation (past, present, future) and embodies the elements of body, mind, and spirit. Incorporating this symbolism, I utilized the number three in various aspects of the narrative and even emphasized it in the film's editing structure.

Secondly, I focused on the use of color as a powerful tool for narrative depth. The choice of black for the main character, symbolizing the lowest social caste, mirrored her emotional and spiritual infancy. Black also conveys notions of unhappiness and mourning in Japanese culture, aligning with her role of a life taker. Conversely, gold, symbolizing the highest social hierarchy and nobility, was employed for the other main character. These color choices were inspired by Japanese cultural associations with color and social status.

Lastly, I paid attention to the intricate details of Japanese culture, such as the way individuals hold the Kiseru pipe, which reflects their social caste. This detail informed the characterization and mannerisms of our characters, especially in collaboration with the actors during production. These research findings enriched both the scriptwriting and post-production phases, enhancing the depth and authenticity of the project.

IV. Influences and References

I've drawn inspiration from various art forms such as books, paintings and music. But visually I have been inspired by renowned directors Ang Lee and Zhang Yimou, who have influenced my visual aesthetics and storytelling.
Additionally, the writings of Okakura Kakuzō on the tea ceremony and the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai have provided a solid foundation for my exploration of modern worldviews and the impact of technology on our lives.

V. Production Challenges

While creating "Kiseru," I encountered numerous challenges, but fortunately, the team's dedication transformed these challenges into opportunities to enhance our film. Acquiring authentic props, particularly those reflecting Japanese culture, proved to be a logistical hurdle. Therefore, we built the entire set from scratch, using local wood and rice papers for the doors and utilizing small infant trees as stand-ins for grown bonsai trees. We made the most of the resources available to us to create an authentic setting that would support the story.

Just a few days before principal photography was scheduled to begin, an enormous storm hit Croatia, the most significant one in decades. All our exterior locations were reduced to rubble due to the debris from the uprooted trees. Ensuring the safety of the crew and the cast was of paramount importance. We devised a highly flexible daily schedule and, with the assistance of park rangers, made use of small windows of opportunity between the storms to film on location. It was a very challenging task within the five days that we had at our disposal.

This film stands as a testament to the fact that no amount of money can buy the dedication and devotion of the cast and crew when they come together because they believe in something. I want to personally thank all the people involved because without them, this project would not have been possible.

VI. Audience and Impact

In conclusion, "Kiseru" is intended for those who appreciate engaging with a narrative that encourages deep reflection. It is my hope that you'll be moved and continue to contemplate its themes long after the credits roll.

However, our journey doesn't end here. "Kiseru" was made as a short proof of concept that we would love to see evolve into a feature-length film. We warmly welcome collaboration and support from like-minded producers, production houses, and television networks who share our passion for thought-provoking cinema.

If you wish to join us on this journey, have questions, or are interested in collaborating, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at igor.neljak@gmail.com.

Thank you for embarking on this adventure with us.

Sincerely,
Igor Neljak