Yue Hua’s Blue Bird Illuminates the Power of Analog Film at Mono No Aware Film Festival 2024
Photo Courtesy: Christophe Katrib

Yue Hua’s Blue Bird Illuminates the Power of Analog Film at Mono No Aware Film Festival 2024


The 18th annual Mono No Aware Film Festival wrapped up in Brooklyn with a vibrant celebration of analog filmmaking, drawing artists and audiences from around the globe. Among the festival’s standout presentations was Yue Hua’s Blue Bird, a multi-16mm projection performance that mesmerized attendees on December 6th.

Blue Bird is a hybrid expanded cinema performance that delves into Yue Hua’s transformative journey as an immigrant, exploring themes of self-discovery, identity, and liberation. This multi-projector installation challenges the conventions of traditional cinema by encouraging audiences to move freely through the space rather than remaining seated. Utilizing six projectors and prism reflections, the piece expands its physical boundaries, creating dynamic visual textures that encompass the entire room. The work pushes the limits of analog film while immersing viewers in a visceral, multi-sensory experience that aligns with the festival’s mission to celebrate the tactile, human aspects of filmmaking.

Photo Courtesy: Mono No Aware

 

“The Mono No Aware Film Festival is more than a festival; it’s a community and a movement,” Yue said. “To have Blue Bird showcased alongside so many inspiring works reaffirms the importance of preserving and reimagining analog film in today’s digital age.”

During the post-screening Q&A, Yue shared her connection to Mono No Aware, recounting how she traveled to New York three times to participate in the festival’s skill-sharing workshops. She credited the success of Blue Bird not only to her creative vision but also to the supportive network of resources and collaborators that contributed to its development.

Photo Courtesy: Tomás Orrego

 

Yue expressed her desire to bring Blue Bird to more venues and actively sought screening opportunities. She acknowledged that the piece’s technical demands—particularly its multi-projector setup—serve as both a unique artistic feature and a logistical challenge for distribution.

Mono No Aware continues to be a key player for analog cinema, fostering dialogue between artists and audiences while emphasizing the enduring relevance of process-driven storytelling. This year’s festival featured workshops, screenings, and live performances that highlighted the vibrant possibilities of analog film in contemporary art.

Photo Courtesy: Mono No Aware

 

Yue Hua’s Blue Bird exemplifies the power of experimental filmmaking to connect personal and female narratives with universal themes. Her innovative use of analog techniques serves as a reminder of the medium’s capacity to inspire profound reflection and dialogue.

For more about Yue Hua’s work and Blue Bird, visit https://yuehua.co/portfolio/blue-bird/.
To learn more about the Mono No Aware Film Festival, visit https://mononoawarefilm.com/.

 

 

Published by Iris S.

 

(Ambassador)

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