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 three-act structure that allowed me to focus on a character study within a three-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 surrealism allowed me to develop my understanding of unconventional filmmaking and storytelling, which allowed me to write an emotional and compelling character arc that contrasted against the “matter-of-fact” nature of the three side characters.

Director’s Statement

Despite being my most personal film, “To Learn To Sow” was one of the first films I made in the IBDP program. I wanted 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 focus on the aspect of defining himself solely through what he does (i.e., when he says his name, it’s hidden from view). Every scene he wanders into 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 grow, and change as people. “To Learn To Sow” confronts the questions of how we form our identity and is a starting point for concepts I want to explore further.