TAKING BIBI - Graduation Short Film

How far would you go to bring your film to life? How hard would you push your subject?

We are a team of film students at Norwich University of the Arts working on the 10-minute folk-horror film ‘Taking Bibi’ where

A desperate Filmmaker’s Camera consumes a Migrant woman.

Synopsis:

James, a formerly acclaimed documentarian, must make an explosive documentary to reclaim his dying reputation.

Bibi a Congolese migrant needs money to make ends meet. So, she sells her story.

Set in Bibi’s living room on an old council estate, this chamber drama explores the obsessive lengths James is willing to reach to become a household name again, even if it means deforming Bibi’s life story and going far beyond the line of ethics for cinematic awe and financial gains.

James consumes Bibi with his camera. He extracts what he needs from her and after he has drained her of all life and emotion he discards her, he's gotten what he came for.

Meeting the team:

Director: Hilary El-Msury

Producer: Olga Dolzhenko

Cinematographer: Xiaoyu Li

Production Designer: Anisha Deb

Sound: Paddy Long

Director’s Statement:

“As a passionate documentarian, I want to explore the dissonance between seeing someone merely as a production tool, and recognising the emotional struggles a ‘subject’ may face as a result of a production.

Through the research and production of this film, I will reflect on perspectives regarding ethics and boundaries when filming and interviewing individuals in vulnerable situations.

With the focus on a Congolese migrant woman, I want to understand the importance of representing someone like Bibi with humility and respect:

What are the motivations of war photographers, filmmakers, and journalists who document lives like hers?

Is it to raise awareness and provide support? To provoke action? For financial gain? For fame?

I aim to deepen my and others’ understanding of the Filmmaker-Contributor relationship, to grow as a part of this industry.”

The filming dates: 11th-13th Feb

Why will the funds go?

- Production Design

- Costumes

- Locations

- Transportation

- Food for the cast and crew