Cliché Sieve miracatabey, July 17, 2023February 15, 2024 Making a film, while undoubtedly fueled by creativity, also involves many tangible assets. It’s like being a craftsman and around 90% of the process resembles the work of a carpenter. We use diverse tools: pens, computers, cameras, costumes – anything you can imagine becomes a potential instrument for filmmaking. However, when it comes to handling the intangible aspects, it’s a field in shades of gray. While there are certain established concepts at our disposal, they aren’t always tailor-made for our projects. So we often find ourselves in the position of tool-makers and create our own solutions. Now, I’d like to introduce you to an abstract tool that I carry with me throughout every stage of making a film: the Cliché Sieve. Think of it as an imaginary sieve. Every time I gather scattered ideas and create a new concept, build a scene during shootings or experiment in the editing process, I run them through this filter. I ask myself: Does this resemble something that’s been done before? Has this become a tired and overused concept? How can I infuse it with freshness? Conversely, what should I strip away from it? Have I managed to transform it? With these inquiries, I sift through my ideas or creative attempts. Sometimes, I turn to my collaborators and suggest, Let’s run this through the Cliché Sieve. We keep what survives beneath the sieve, but we don’t discard the rest. We store it for the next round of filtering, as an idea rejected for one project might find purpose in another. In the end, every creative effort is a blend and the only variable is the size of the sieve’s mesh. Filtered vs. Unfiltered Now, this approach might seem analytical, but, I believe, making art encompasses a significant portion of analysis. In fact, beneath the surface of every creative venture, a certain mathematical elegance lies. People who proudly proclaim themselves as artists often only emphasize the more attractive and romantic aspects like inspiration and poetry. However, these are just small pieces of the larger puzzle. To me, art thrives on feelings distilled, not left unfiltered. Sure, there are moments when you’re hit with intense feelings and inspirations, but once you’ve absorbed and analyzed these experiences, only then your creative mind can truly get in the game. So, artists who keep their lips sealed about those analytical aspects don’t entirely resonate with me. Perhaps they fear losing their sexiness. That is why sometimes I find myself respecting mainstream filmmakers more than arthouse ones because they have a clear understanding of their craft and purpose. They comprehend why they do what they do, and their audience knows precisely what they get and why. On the contrary, some self-proclaimed art filmmakers often appear indecisive. They often focus on abstract concepts or socio-political issues as if they navigate a maze. They use labels to garner attention, almost like prophets seeking divine revelations. However, they end up being generic, hollow, and empty. Of course, in making art, there’s an element of mystery and exploration. But, we can figure out our path once we have completed a piece. We can engage in self-examination by understanding both our creation and the intention behind it. So, I believe, what we truly need is to be conscious and honest about what we do. It is a way to put ourselves through the Cliché Sieve and discover what remains our selves. Conceptualizations Reflections