WHO'S THERE

Who's There? from Nafi Shabnam on Vimeo.

Relationships between Shots

I chose to examine the opening scene of Minority Report (2002), which introduces the film and sets up its audience in a very subliminal way for what to expect. The scene starts off with what appears distant headlight. The shot was framed in flickering dark curvy shadows that almost seemed as if what is projected on the screen is what someone is seeing. Instantaneously, we feel as if we are entering a war zone. From there, all the images are in tones of blue accompanied by a mundane instrumental that again emphases the feeling of being in a place you don't belong. The layering of the changing images and the changing computerized texts dwells upon a notion of silence before the storm; its like an organized chaos that is intriguing but at the same time the relationships between the multiple shots aren't as apparent. The blues and blacks really work on an emotional level as it foreshadows the dark reality of the story.

 The placing of the two shots of the minority subject especially impressed me. First, it is a linear medium close up of her heaving breathing and then a diffused transition to a high angle-rotating zoom in shot into her eyes. The thought process behind that was phenomenal. It evoked emotions of curiosity as to who she is and why she's there as well as a strange sympathy because she's hooked up to wires. Also the rows of brightly lit background lights in the room Tom Cruise is watching what appears to be holographic images, doesn't provide any substantial lighting. Again, this works to foreshadow story in the movie where he was under the impression that he is aware of what's happening but in reality he isn't.

 These series of shots were put together in such a way in that it tells the entire story without saying anything. This scene is a 2-minute sum up of the entire movie but if one hasn't watched the whole, they wouldn't know what happening. Genius; one word says it all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfeY2pL7vnU

Museum of Moving Images

This was my first time going to the Museum of Moving Images. At first I honestly didn't want to go but I'm glad I did. It was interesting. I didn't know that it used to be a Paramount Studio. That was a fun fact. Out of all the exhibit, I enjoyed the sound track one the most. I was fun dissecting all the different sound tracks in a tiny clip from the Titanic. The actual audio profiles used were astonishing. Who would have thought reversing a lion's roar could be used to mask the sound of a water portal sort? It defiantly provided a detailed outlook on the creative works of a sound artist/editor. I enjoyed that the most probably because there was more of an opportunity to interact with other student in the group as well the person giving the tour; it wasn't just factual information being throw at you. Also, this fit right in with the project we were working on at the time. I defiantly appreciate the thinking process of sound artist and editors a lot more. Overall it was a fun experience and I think I will go back.

audio project

https://soundcloud.com/nafi-shabnam/1st-audio-project/s-KZrwg

What I Hear

Ozone Park, New York, for the most part is a quite and peaceful area. At least my neighborhood is. Its feels nice to walk alone without any distractions and just listen to the sounds the atmosphere has to offer. The only train in 80th street/ Hudson Street is the A, which runs above ground. Although it is rated as one of the worst trains, its thundering roars never fail to catch me by surprise when least expected. It’s defiantly something one gets used to and learns to ignore after living in the area for a while but never the less it can creep up on you. With this bipolar extended winter weather, the whistling of the wind seems to play its own melody sometimes in harmony with flocking of wings of random birds. The familiar sound of passing cars becomes more apparent; it’s as if the cars are racing against time or perhaps even me, as I was able to hear my own footsteps. The rustling of grocery bags as a couple getting out of Associated chit chatted the short distance to their car before opening the trunk to create more buzz as they handled the bags. The occasional catcalls coming from a group of men sitting in front of a barbershop comes as a wake up call, pulling my drifted mind back into reality. These men have always made me wonder what is it that they actually do; I always see them sitting out there during the day regardless of the weather. To end it all was the fumbling of keys as I struggled to take them out of my pocket and put it in the doorknob only to find the door was already open.

Define a Space- WhAt dO YoU sEe??

define a space from Nafi Shabnam on Vimeo.

Artist Statement

Everyone is a bit weird in their own ways. Me... Well I'm trying to get into medical school with a degree in media studies. These are two completely different paths that don't cross over at any intersection. The goal of becoming a doctor was set long ago in 3rd grade when I stumbled upon a book about the human body. Getting a bachelors in media studies was more of a recent choice. Media represents who the common man isn't yet wants to be.


Media is a from of entertainment made to appeal it’s audience and it does so by portraying almost romanticized character who do suffer through the ups and downs of live but still manage victory at the end. This is something that we all want for ourselves but in reality it doesn’t necessary have to work that way. We don't always have to be or act as we see people portrayed in the different mediums.


Analyzing media can set the mood at a coffee table but I'm more interested in observing certain things and depicting my perspective on it in any form of presentation. This blog will include short videos, collages, posters or any such art forms that may seem random but will be linked in some way or another. I want my work to not only appeal to the real common man but also help them identify with others who may be going through the same issues.


It never hurts to dream. Dreams gives us a goal, set goals help us discover new pathways, which provides us with hope. The world runs on hope.