To Learn To Sow

About the Film

“To Learn To Sow” was my first venture into more unconventional filmmaking and approaching surrealism. With extensive research into directors like Athina Rachel Tsangari and Yorgos Lanthimos, I structured the film around a distinct 3 act structure that allowed me to focus on a character study within a 3 minute time limit. A large element of the process was the mise en scene, with countless discussions on how every distinct scene should look and feel. Leaning into the surrealism allowed me to develop my understanding of unconventional filmmaking and storytelling, which allowed me to write an emotional and compelling character arc that was contrasted against the “matter-of-fact” nature of the three side characters.

Director’s Statement

Despite being arguably my most personal film, “To Learn To Sow” was one of the earlier films I made in the IBDP program. I aimed to explore what defines our identity as individuals, and the labels we use to perceive not only the world, but our own sense of self. Leaning into the detective character, I took inspiration from early detective genre works to really focus on the aspect of defining himself solely through what he does (like when he says his name, it’s hidden from view). Every scene he wanders into offers a different version of what a person can be, and none of them quite fit, because I don’t think identity ever fits perfectly. We always grow, and change as people. “To Learn To Sow” confronts the questions of how we form our own identity, a starting point for concepts I want to further explore in my future.