This is a link to the final photofilm featuring Amanat on Vimeo:
Category: Photofilm 4 – Amanat Musin
Coda: Preparing for Assessment
Since we had used up all the assignment slots, and I hadn’t been sure that I would get the fourth film produced at all, this part exceeded the structure that Les and I had agreed upon. Nevertheless, he was willing to give me feedback on it and tell me what he thought in a personal email, and I really appreciate his input beyond what was in fact his duty. He also cleared up some doubts I had been having about the content of my written work and the limitations of printing and presentation materials in Georgia (where I have relocated from Kazakhstan). Continue reading “Coda: Preparing for Assessment”
Amanat – Ninth visit
The final series we shot at the rehabilitation centre ARDI. These images show that Amanat is still struggling to ‘normalise’ himself. Without deconstructing his impairment, they remind us of the daily challenges he faces, and put into perspective what he has achieved and is still doing. Continue reading “Amanat – Ninth visit”
Amanat – Eighth visit
After the success of that first visit, within a week Amanat had invited me back over. I had listened to the interview material and decided that some things needed to be expressed more succinctly while others needed to be clarified. We agreed to rerecord certain sections and questions, and that I would direct the questions in the way that Amanat’s responses would be more self-explanatory for audiences. Continue reading “Amanat – Eighth visit”
Amanat – Seventh visit
After a lot of procrastination and delaying tactics, Amanat finally told me that we would not be able to photograph him at home with his family. I had already discussed with my tutor that the domestic images are the ones that lend strength to the project, since they show a side that is not often seen, and demonstrate the extent to which the participants have engaged with the project and welcomed me into their lives and homes. Without the weight of this, the film with Amanat would fail – Les had already told me that I needed to try and get more intimate images with Amanat. Continue reading “Amanat – Seventh visit”
Amanat – Sixth visit
Graduation day!
Amanat – Fifth visit
I wanted to capture the feel of university classes that Amanat was attending. Although he is much older than the other students, he is accepted as an equal, and this is what I wanted to get across in the campus images. This series set out to show that Amanat had to study really hard – for the observant will notice that this lecture is actually in English. I aimed to portray Amanat as being on the same level as the other students, while the shots include his wheelchair without drawing unnecessary attention to it – it is simply included as a visual reminder of Amanat’s impairment (see my research on Garland-Thomson). Continue reading “Amanat – Fifth visit”
Amanat – Fourth visit
Amanat lives on campus during the week, since that way he gets peace and quiet – enough to be able to do his homework. I thought it would be a good idea to show him cramming into the night with his roommate, Rakhman. Continue reading “Amanat – Fourth visit”
Amanat – Third visit
On this particular day, Amanat and his group mates were scheduled to make a presentation, and he thought it would be interesting for me to attend, so we agreed with his lecturer and all was settled. Continue reading “Amanat – Third visit”
Amanat – Second visit
On the day we had arranged to meet, Amanat’s lecture was cancelled, but we decided to use the time productively and shoot some images where he is negotiating the university building. Continue reading “Amanat – Second visit”
Carl Whetham photography 