Marta Alvim
Portugues videomaker
biography
http://and.nmartproject.net/?p=4630
Interview: 10 questions
1. Tell me something about your life and the educational background.
Since my childhood I had a tendency to observe and think about my environment. In that process I felt sad or frustrated very often. I wanted the world to be a better place not only for humankind but also for animals.
As I felt different from my pairs I wanted to express my ideas. I wanted to be a philosopher, a researcher, an activist, an ecologist, a writer or even a politician. But then I realized that through Art I could develop a plurality of interests and themes and influence a lot of people.
2. When, how and why started you filming?
I started filming at the film school at the age of 17. Before, I was experimenting on photography and sound.
3. What kind of subjects have your films?
I speak often about time, consciousness, reality, love, loss, utopia, human nature, needs, dreams, dramas…
4. How do you develop your films, do you follow certain principles, styles etc?
I don’t follow any style or principles, or at least, not in a conscious way. But I had developed my own way of doing things and what inevitably creates a language.
5. Tell me something about the technical equipment you use.
I use Canon D5 Mark II for video most of the time. But I also shoot with smaller cameras like Leica D-lux5.
I edit in FCP.
6. What are the chances of the digital video technologies for creating art using “moving images†generally, and for you personally?
Video helps developing thoughts and ideas in a quicker and less expensive way. Also, it allows me to edit.
7. How do you finance your films?
Most of the money is financed by me or my family. As my career develops, I’m finding easier to get money for my work. My late sponsors were galleries, institutions, residences and museums.
8. Do you work individually as a video artist/film maker or do you work in a team?
if you have experience in both, what is the difference, what do you prefer?
I work alone most of the time. I like to work with a small team.
9. Who or what has a lasting influence on your film/video making?
Time. When I finish a film I leave it for some days or weeks so I can came back to it again for last decisions.
10. What are your future plans or dreams as a film/video maker?
Touch people. Develop thought, emotions and raise self-consciousness.
Can works of yours viewed online besides on the CologneOFF platform? Where?
Yes, on Vimeo: http://vimeo.com/user4849367