This two-minute film from director David Findlay shows people in proximity connecting with one another sans physical contact as a little “air” is intentionally left between them.
In his short film aptly titled Air, Findlay–an alum of SHOOT’s 2019 New Directors Showcase–shows that connection between folks can be emotionally resonant even in the absence of direct touch. He explained, “”The idea originated from seeing over and over the awkwardness of physical greetings now that we cannot touch. The idea came together when I made the realization that people really emphasized, either with their body language or through their gaze, the meaning or nature of whichever greeting or physical action they were partaking in. For example, the reason for shaking hands at the end of a soccer game is to convey respect for your opponent, win or lose. But when we cannot touch, the significance and the desire to transmit that sentiment is overemphasized in lieu of physical contact, and actually makes us reflect on the original meaning of such a custom in the first place. I thought that was beautiful and I felt inspired to share that observation.”
Air was shot in Vancouver, BC, in October, completed this month and debuts today (11/24).
