
Yesterday, January 15, I had the honor of participating in a discussion panel at the University Film and Video Association 2025 Conference. Titled “Contemporary Film Practices: AI, Shaping Performance, and the Visualization of Domestic Violence.” This panel was a meaningful opportunity to share insights into the making of my new film, Domestic Animals, a collaboration with Sandy Siquier, Assistant Teaching Professor at Syracuse University Department of Film and Media Arts and, a continuation of her work from the short stories anthology Apron Tales. Our film explores domestic and family violence as both a pressing social and public health issue, with particular focus on the emotional and behavioral consequences faced by those involved.
The panel brought together ideas and research from a diverse group of film professionals, including David Tarleton, Chair of the Syracuse University Department of Film and Media Arts, and Adria Dawn, also Syracuse University faculty member.
Exploring Violence Through a Reverse Fable
In the panel presentation Sandy Siquier and I discussed our visualization strategy for Domestic Animals, and our approach at working the story as a reverse fable. Instead of the traditional anthropomorphic animal characters, our film assigns subtle animal qualities to human characters. Through their troubling and violent day-to-day interactions, these traits reveal the primal, often destructive instincts that exist beneath the surface of domestic violence interaction.
One of the key takeaways we shared stemmed from our vision of prioritizing a framework focused on educational and consciousness-raising strategies at the community level.
AI in Film Practices and Shaping Performance
Another engaging topic from the panel was the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in contemporary film practices (David Tarleton) and Shaping Performance, a pedagogical approach for exploring the director/actor relationship (Adria Dawn).
Hearing from panelists like Adria and David, in their respective works, brought a fascinating perspective to our panel discussion.
I want to express my gratitude to the University Film and Video Association for fostering such a unique and engaging platform for creators, storytellers, and educators; also a heartfelt thank you to the audience members, for there kind engagement; and to my fellow panelists, Sandy Siquier, David Tarleton and Adria Dawn, your insights and contributions made the conversation even richer.
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