Discussion Questions - Alive in Joburg YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNReejO7Zu8&feature=emb_logo TPH at Home Link: https://vimeo.com/417805625 Images/Effects How would you describe the look of this film? How do you think the filmmaker achieved that look? Is there any frame in the film where you can spot the effects? (Do you catch a moment when the layering seems obvious?) Why do you think the filmmaker chose to “blur” out the faces of the aliens? Is this effective? What do you think about the hand-held camera style? Story What parallels can you draw from this fictional story to current issues? Why do you think the filmmaker chose to set this story in 1990? Is it esthetically advantageous? What would change if you set the story in 2020? What about cultural and political themes, would those change? The story is told in a documentary style. How does that affect the way we feel about what we’re seeing? Do we have more or less connection to the people and aliens that are featured? Is it effective? Music/Sound What if you cut out the music underscore altogether? Would this change how you feel about the story? Suggested Activities: 1. Tell a fictional story with documentary-style footage. Film “interviews” and combine staged and live B-roll. 2. Experiment with color. Whether you have a professional editing program or you’re using iMovie on your phone, experiment with coloring and filters. Pick a video clip, and color the footage in a way that expresses different styles. 3. Rent and watch District 9, the feature film that’s based on Alive in Joburg. Notice the similarities and differences. 4. If you love Sci Fi and special effects, check out Oat Studios: https://oatsstudios.com You can watch a collection of short films created by the filmmaker, Neill Blomkamp, and his team. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers. If you write, photograph, or film something, send it to us at teacher@thepicturehouse.org, be sure to include Joburg in the subject - we want to hear from you!
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.