OCULUS
@eyesofsamira
“I wanted to create an overwhelming experience while watching the film, to convey my inner world of anxiety. I hoped that using the abstract medium of experimental film that I could achieve this sense. I was inspired by Artuadian methods from the ‘Theatre of Cruelty’ in conveying this sensation.”
Samira Shaaban (Director)
This film was made as part of the module LICA359: Experimental Cinema: Theory and Practice.
Film Synopsis
OCULUS was conceived as part of an experimental film university module, but was a long time in the making before hand. Centering on the theme of anxiety, the director wanted to literalise her feelings into film, to make them more legible for others. As this film centres on the personal feelings of the creator, there is only one actress, whose surroundings in this dark void represent one’s worst fears within the unknown.
Crew & Cast
Samira Shaaban - Director
She has worked primarily as a production designer on multiple short films, and has experience in directing and camera work. Her most recent work was as Director and co-creator of ‘OOCETTEC’, a 2024 short transgressive film. She is currently a student filmmaker at Lancaster, studying Film and Theatre BA Hons.
Eloise Jenkins - Actor
She has worked as a cinematographer, editor and director on multiple short and documentary films. A creation that she is proud of is her 2023 experimental film ‘sense-less’. She is currently a student filmmaker at Lancaster, studying Film and Theatre BA Hons.
Stills
Check out my other work!
Samira Shaaban