A bit about me
but not too much.
VIDEO:
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I was born and grew up in Germany from Spanish parents and have been living in Belgium for over 10 years. As a young father I see my kids growing up so fast and at the same time I see my grandparents aging and passing away. It is not always easy to slow down and take time for connection, take time to have meaningful conversations. We make pictures and videos with our smartphones on a daily basis, but what about capturing the layer below? Our inner lives and those of our loved ones?
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What if I could show my 5 year old when he is older or has kids of his own, what he was like as a young child? What if I could show him what kind of people my grandparents were, in their own words? I believe that there is a no more intimate way of remembering and experiencing someone than through a thoughtful video interview: an inner life verbalised by the person themselves.
A German, Spanish
media professional
I was born in Germany as a third generation Spanish immigrant. I grew up in Ulm and got a German education before coming to Belgium for an additional master. I met a girl and decided to stay. We got married and we have two sweet little boys. We live in a quiet neighbourhood in Merchtem.
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I love the process of creating things, staring in childhood with DIY rollercoaster, marbel run towers and electronic remote controlled equipment. Later on I got curious and intricate about creating and designing print and electronic media. Other things that get me exited is reading books about psychology and how we interact as humans.
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Passion film making
I came to Belgium in 2010 to do my masters at the RITCS (Royal Institute for theatre, cinema & sound). I studied graphic design, electronic & audiovisual media and arts in Germany and Hungary. More on LinkedIn.
I made several documentaries & children animation movies amongst 'The Children's Tree' which I am very proud of won several prices at filmfestivals. In my time in Germany I worked as a freelance filmmaker for cooperate films.
What makes a 'good' conversation
Audiovisual media has always drawn my attention since childhood and in recent years I have become very curious about the art of conversation. What makes a profound and meaningful conversation. How do you get from superficial weather talk to getting to really know the person you are engaging with.
At the same time I wanted to capture the life lessons and stories of my grandparents in the most authentic way. There are many 'Grandparent books' out there to fill in, with many pages full of questions. For me it was instantly clear it must be a video interview. My grandparents must tell their story, values and believes themself in front of the camera. This is the only way you just not only capture the information but also the emotions and feelings that come through body language, articulation and gestures …
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My grandpa and me at my very first interview, long before professionalizing.
Create value for others
The idea for Essentially Forever came years later after my grandparents documentary. Friends and family always reacted in a very enthusiastic way when I told them about my project, this is a very valuable keepsake you will appreciate it later.
I was wondering if others would also have the need to capture their, or a family member's value, feeling, basicly the essence of who you are today to remember and relieve tomorrow. And then it all started …