Spectacular Specimen (2024)

Image by Mónica Celeste. Spectacular Specimen. Still from the film.

Poster by Andre Vicentini. Film poster of Spectacular Specimen.

Luonnonesine (eng. Spectacular Specimen)
Shortfilm
26’02 minutes

Directing & editing: Mónica Celeste
Cinematography: Dani Gorsky & Mónica Celeste
Color grading: Dani Gorsky
Sound recording: Surabhi Nadig
Graphic design: Andre Vicentini
Composer: Miika Kantola

Spectacular Specimen is an exploration of our relationship with the sea, blending experimental essayistic film and observational documentary on marine research at Seili Island. The film juxtaposes playfulness alongside the categorising precision of natural science, seeking to diversify its often alienating gaze. While the scientists share a deep connection with the sea and the specimens they study, these relationships are often unaccounted for in the framework of natural science. Should we reconsider the value of these relationship in creating knowledge?

The film was created as a part of an MA thesis artistic research process in Aalto University School of Arts during years 2023 and 2024.

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