“For The Billionth Time Today” is a multidisciplinary generational horror film combining several forms of media from live action to experimental animation and archival footage. This dreamlike coming of age epic uses deeply surreal imagery and atmospheres in order to bring a unique sense of closure to one’s adolescence. The project also touches heavily on grief, derealization and the critical importance for emotional vulnerability in young men. Please join us on Saturday, June 28th from 2-5pm for a film screening and conversation at the Detroit Public Library, Main Branch!
Statement from the Director:
The earliest ideas of “For The Billionth Time Today” originated from a journal series I produced two summers ago- primarily focusing on spontaneity and channeling my emotions about my own upcoming college graduation, entrance to adulthood and long term self deprecation. I became inspired to turn the words and images from my pages into a surrealist narrative piece, embracing the iterative process that helped the journals come to life in the beginning. Although so much of this film was heavily storyboarded, planned and scripted, another half was improvisational- embracing the authenticity of the actors’ real emotions and reactions, and utilizing it as a base for the dialogue. Through the conclusion of this piece, I have also been able to properly mourn all eras of my former self and heal that inner child that had to grow beyond his own torment.
Director Bio:
Jack Chisik is an experimental independent filmmaker/animator residing in Detroit, MI recently graduated from the College For Creative Studies. Chisik finds inspiration from the intersection of normal and bizarre. He appreciates narratives that challenge viewers to analyze the abstract with "out of bounds" visuals that shock the senses while also leaving an impactful deep resonance, often tapping into 21st century nostalgia. Chisik is intricately involved in all processes of filmmaking from conception, direction, visual and practical effects, and original scoring, leaving his unique touch on every project he puts forth.