I've always wanted to see a martian (2022)

In this experimental short, an astronaut finds herself stranded on a foreign planet. Initially paralyzed by fear, the apprehension of her surroundings soon transforms into an insatiable need to explore and experience the alien environment with all her senses. Caught in the delicate balance between the urge to conquer and the desire to surrender, she navigates through this new world both in awe and trepidation.

Drawing inspiration from the final phrase of Ray Bradbury's allegorical book "The Martian Chronicles," the artist delves deep into themes of identity and belonging. The astronaut's journey becomes a metaphor for the universal quest for self-discovery and connection in unknown lands. As she traverses the strange landscape, she grapples with the sense of her current self and her place within this new world.

The setting of the short film offers glimpses of a laborious past, its industrial remnants evoking a sense of otherworldliness. This choice of environment blurs the lines between the terrestrial and the extraterrestrial, challenging viewer's perceptions of space and place. It serves as a poignant backdrop for the astronaut's story, reinforcing the film's exploration of themes such as extraterrestrial migration, ecology, and imperialism.

Through the astronaut's experiences, the film raises critical questions about humanity's relationship with new frontiers. It examines the dichotomy of exploration and exploitation, the tension between domination and coexistence. The astronaut's internal struggle mirrors broader societal issues, making her journey a powerful commentary on contemporary ecological and imperialistic challenges.

Ultimately, this experimental short is a meditation on the nature of autoethnography and togetherness in an ever-changing universe. The astronaut's tale invites viewers to reflect on their own place in the world and the impact of their actions on the environments they inhabit, both familiar and foreign.