Film Craft > Production

UNFOLLOW HATE

JAM SESSION AGENCY, București / ING BANK / 2022

CampaignCampaign(opens in a new tab)
Supporting Images
Supporting Content
Film

Overview

Credits

Overview

Write a short summary of what happens in the film.

The film imagines the struggles of Van Gogh, one of the most appreciated, yet controversial artists of his time, had he been a struggling artist in the context of social media today.

The movie starts with Van Gogh in the present, launching into painting with excitement and getting inspired by the world around him. As any enthusiastic aspiring artist, he shares his work on social media and continues to enjoy his art and time with his friends, like a regular guy. Things take a negative turn, as he starts receiving hate on social media. From here, the character slowly descends into madness. Intensified by the rhythm of hateful comments hitting his inbox, he reaches the pinnacle of insanity with the famous ear-cutting scene.

The ending is left open: crushed by the hate, Van Gogh, now an Art-store clerk, struggles with the decision of giving up his art for good.

Cultural / Context information for the jury

Through the “Do your thing” global platform, ING encourages people to follow their passion freely and live life authentically, so when a brand study revealed that online hate keeps people from being themselves online and sharing their passion with the world, we wanted to fight the widespread phenomenon of cyberbullying.

Although in recent years mental health has become an important topic of discussion and the pandemic has led to an increase in mental discomfort, the topic is still ignored in Romania. Cyberbullying is a phenomenon that can lead to depression, yet government programs and NGOs mostly deal with how it affects children and teens. Our research shows however that this issue also gravely affects young adults and makes them hesitant to express themselves online, for fear of online harassment. Therefore, we needed to find a surprising angle to talk about an issue that is culturally not talked about.

Tell the jury anything relevant about the cinematography.

The cinematography is a tribute to Van Gogh’s oeuvre. Chromatic references are present throughout the movie, a play of yellow and blue going from joyful warmth to toxicity. Bold portraits of intense eye contact reflect the character’s feelings and his inner decay, just like Van Gogh’s dozens of portraits. Visuals are embedded in the storytelling in almost painted-like scenes.

The cinematography style is a visually compelling mix between carefully thought-out compositions and lively handheld camera work, to tell the story of everyday life. The visual style is naturalistic, but with a twist of perspective on the mundane - surprising angles that offer a unique view of what we’re seeing. The film starts off optimistic, with wide well-lit shots, showing our character interacting with the world. As his inner struggle intensifies, the camera moves physically close to the action and subject, creating a very intimate feeling that helps enhance the emotion.

More Entries from Cinematography in Film Craft

24 items

Grand Prix Cannes Lions
THE WISH

Direction

THE WISH

PENNY, SERVICEPLAN

(opens in a new tab)

More Entries from JAM SESSION AGENCY

16 items

Shortlisted Cannes Lions
NETFLIX - THE LAST "BELLA CIAO"

Music Live Experience

NETFLIX - THE LAST "BELLA CIAO"

NETFLIX, JAM SESSION AGENCY

(opens in a new tab)