Date of Award

Fall 1-3-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Department

Film and Media Studies

First Advisor

Reiko Tahara

Second Advisor

Andrew Demirjian

Academic Program Adviser

Andrew Demirjian

Abstract

Free Fall, a mixed media project, addresses the horrifying cases of infant abduction experienced in the country of Georgia over the last 40-50 years, and how the nation's systemic issue became one of the causes of illegal child trafficking in the country. The project features an infant room setting with video projections, TV screens with interviews, and custom sound effects. The setting of Free Fall is a visual metaphor of the experiences of those affected by the abductions and illegal child trafficking drawing from the iconography of early childhood. Ultimately, my installation seeks to advocate for justice and support for those affected by these events, as well as further define how we consume and engage with narratives surrounding trauma and resilience through media. By moving beyond the constraints of traditional filmmaking, I hope to create a more nuanced and impactful dialogue that resonates with the complexities of the human experience.

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