I’ve often been asked what films, music and images inspire me and my answers have usually been sparse. The reason for this is an internal protection to potential vulnerability. When I see something that moves me, I get shivers up my spine. A cold feeling that triggers something. It can spark a random memory or erupt limitless questions leaving me breathless. I feel, as this is the festive season, the need to share some special pieces that moved me.

Sans Soleil (1983) – Chris Marker

I was first introduced to this work in a film theory class at university. The first minute combined words and images in a way I had never seen before. It was poetic, personal, symbolic, layered, complex, simple and interpretative. me to look into my creativity in a different way.

Send Me to the ‘Lectric Char’ (2009) – Guy Maddin

Guy Maddin’s films have always been on the fringe of experimental. This film, with Isabella Rossellini is a visual feast. The rough super 8 film, quick cuts and random sound effects tells a dreamlike story where good is bad and bad is good. I felt, while watching this, a sheer sense of unease that only his films can provide.

Mark M.