Filmmaker Statement

The idea of enlightenment through self isolation is not new, and today that context has shaped itself into an ugly force of self prophecy that in my opinion just isn’t true. People need connection like they need water, and without it our minds stay suspended and cyclical. This short is inspired by the book 'Essays in Idleness' by Kenko and Chomei, a collection of essays from two separate medieval monks living in the wilderness. Kenko and Chomei were true ascetics and were at peace with their environment and mortality. But to me they both still seemed inherently troubled by the stillness and isolation that came along with their devotions, often yearning for the people they left and critiquing the society in which they departed. After reading the book and having differing opinions on each essay I always imagined what it would feel like if they met. If they were forced to meet by something so profound that it called for discussion and a break from their forced isolation.