Distant Feelings showcases a recorded zoom call where strangers gather to close their eyes for 15 minutes in an attempt to feel each others presence. After the 15 minutes is up, a timer goes off instructing everyone to open their eyes. They then just sit and observe each other as everyone begins to open their eyes. No one is able to talk for the entire duration of the zoom call. This social experiment comes during this time of social distancing as a way to come together while remaining separate. COVID-19 has caused many people to be alone and/or feel alone, so this is a great way to bring people together virtually. This video reminds me that everyone is going through the same things during this crazy time and that we should all be in solidarity together. It also is a great representation of the fact that words are not necessary in order to be there for someone. The simple ability to be present can have such a large impact on other people.
I found this video itself to be rather boring as an entertainment piece, but I can appreciate the idea behind it especially in this time of separation. It is particularly difficult to pay attention to such a large variety of faces at one time. Additionally, there are such minute movements and changes in facial expressions done by each person that can be easily missed due to the large amount of faces on the screen. An editing technique that may make this more engaging as a video piece would be to cut away from the screen showing everyone and focus on a particular person for a set amount of time to showcase their experience. I think that a debriefing after or a follow-up video where the people involved could share their experiences and reactions would be a more engaging and interesting way to close this out as well.
Overall, I do value the message and intention behind this video. I feel as though this experience could be particularly valuable to a wide range of people including those who have between very limited and no social interaction and also those who have too much interaction and need to be reminded to slow down. It is so important to bring people together at a time of separation. For that reason I still value this video piece even though I didn’t find it to be the most interesting or engaging.
Skyscraper Media 