Hem Walk 004

BACKGROUND This film is a creative output form an ongoing research project exploring the hems of District 4, in particular wards 14 and 15. The investigation explores notions of density and complexity, through the relationship between event, space and movement which Tschumi (1994) equates to the architectural experience. The film asks the question ‘Can an extruded moving image sequence re-present complexity within the hems through a moving image sequence?’ James Benning’s ‘One Way Boogie Woogie’ (1977) establishes a frame that is perpendicular to the street facades. He captures part of the street; the pavement and the reminder of the frame is made up from part of the building’s elevation. This film uses a similar technique of a single static camera shot, that lets the space unfold, without editorial control, in a similar way to Warhol in his film ‘Empire’ (1964). CONTRIBUTION This project builds upon Tschumi’s paradigm by exploring the hems through issues of density and complexity in all aspects of the lived experience and presents an argument that these two concerns form a critical part of the architectural experience. The films also present the culture of the spaces, which remains undocumented and yet a critical aspect of the city. SIGNIFICANCE The hems of wards 14 & 15 remain largely undocumented, and unknown outside of the Ho Chi Minh. The KL Experimental Film festival remains a critical platform in S.E. Asia to present this kind of practice. The films are experimental documentary that are not explanatory but experiential. KLEX has developed a reputation for challenging works from all parts of the world, and the festival contributes to film events across the globe. It is sponsored annually by the Goethe Institute Malaysia.