Untitled, Jackson Heights
From the Archives
•
Documentary, Short Films, 15-May-2024
An Iranian mother living in Queens sends a letter to her far-away daughter. Armon Mahdavi directs “Untitled, Jackson Heights,” an experimental personal documentary presenting the place and anecdotes of a transplant in America. Through static frames of the city, we overhear a mother’s recorded messages, or possibly readings of her letters, sent to her daughter. She reminisces on their time back in Iran together, her longing, and also speaks to her daily experiences. The melancholic feeling of distance grows and the realities and sacrifices faced by immigrant parents are indirectly learned. As it gently paints the Jackson Heights sights from street corner to mezzanine, the film appears to be in direct homage to Chantal Akerman’s “News from Home.” -JM. Director/writer/editor: Armon Mahdavi, Narration: Mitra Ayat, DP: Aaron Champagne, Producers: Eli Bernstein, Aaron Champagne, Nancy Kimball, Armon Mahdavi, Assistant Camera: Lee Emmerich.
Up Next in From the Archives
-
PREP
A bodybuilding fever dream fueled by childhood trauma, food porn and acid techno music. Raymond Knudsen directs “Prep,” a highly-stimulating portrait of a man who goes to extremes with his mind and body. Surrounded by rubber floor mats and stainless steel, we meet an unnamed bodybuilder with head...
-
Trailer | Turn On The Bright Lights
-
Tap Runner
In a dystopian future, it’s one man’s job to check faucets for leakage and wastage. Paolo Chianta directs and animates “Tap Runner,” an animated sci-fi short, hand-drawn with a ballpoint pen and characterized by a melancholic spirit. His job does not permit him to actually fix the taps — that’s t...
