Summer Project
- 200812152
- Oct 4, 2021
- 2 min read
Finishing first year and going through the transition to second year meant a 3 month long summer break and a small list of to do's to get ourselves familiarised with the content for first term. One of the tasks we were set to do was in fact make this blog, which I'm still learning how to use.
The main part of our summer project was to watch some fashion short films on a list of different sits published to us (Nowness, Aesthetica Short Film Festival, A Shaded View On Fashion and Show Studio).
ASVOF
Aesthetica
Nowness
Show Studio
WWD
On Nowness looking through their 'fashion film' section I stumbled across the film titled 'Marry the Night' directed by Mila van der Linden, filmmaker and visual artist. The interview style fashion film focuses on Dutch model and writer Chaima El Haddaoui who discusses the stereotypes and idealisation of Muslim women and how its hard to escape the boundaries of being a 'saint' and how easy it is to be dismissed as a 'sinner'.
With euphoric visuals and colourful lighting, Chaima talks of her heritage and background of attending traditional Moroccan weddings which last up to three days and contrasts this to her love of clubbing and the 24 hour partying scene. How can a three day wedding fest be seen as something so applauded for a Muslim girl but clubbing would be seen as inappropriate. She narrates this as a clash between her interests and beliefs which as a society we should normalise, your religion or background shouldn't consume you to the point where you question your interests and hobbies. Its an interesting insight that isn't touched upon or seen by people who don't fit into these categories.
What I found so powerful about this short film was the voiceover. Narrated through by the person who is experiencing these emotions and feelings made the film feel raw and personal. The echoed scratchy sound of the voiceover almost mimicked a voicemail or phone call further pushing this idea of a personal experience, as if your having a discussion with a friend. By doing this it helps the audience to see Chaima's experience from a new perspective. We aren't just bystanders listening to someone vent, we are a friend or a helping hand trying to see from a different angle.
Although there's a lot to take away from this two and a half minute film in regard to society, religion, women and culture, it is also a fashion film and the styling is an important part of the piece. Styled by Dutch fashion designer Ninamounah, Chaima is dressed in a number of pieces featuring popping flashes of red and leather textures. The garments chosen prove the liberation Chaima withholds from coming to terms with her differences and embracing her culture and hobbies. She doesn't feel like she needs to alter her devotion to her religion, in regard to clothing, to fit into her interest of the clubbing scene. It is a powerful stance on how we feel like sometimes we have to change who we are to fit into the aims and wants of someone else.
Watch the piece here:
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