Pressure Makes Diamonds

"...it has always been the artists deprived of their kindling that burn the brightest." - Ian MacKenzie, 2024

This quote summarizes this short video essay on the inherently political nature of cinema, and how films under the pressure of censorship and oppression break new ground in the world of cinema. Using examples of films explored during my time learning about global cinema and its reach and manifestation among different times and places, this video looks into the beautiful mind of artists who outsmarted their political rivals, despite their disadvantages in power or government mandated authority. Through use of subversive symbolism and hidden meaning, utilizing many different kinds of genres, cinema is a powerful yet silent tool that is used to challenge authority.

This was my final project for Global Cinema II taught by Professor Olivier Morel at the University of Notre Dame during the Spring 2024 semester of my Sophomore year.