Mind of Migg

I was fortunate enough to be invited to a screening put on by Sabi Pictures last week for the premiere of their film, “A Short Film About Letting Go”.  The screening also included several other short films that they had made over the last 20 months.  Even though each film had a different director, the films all had a similar style.  One thing was certain, and that’s that they all left an emotional resonance.  As the summer wraps and we shift from, “cool stuff blowing up” mode to Oscar season, it was nice to see films like these.

Sabi Pictures was co-founded by Kevin Shah and Zak Forseman.  Sabi Pictures is all about collaboration.  They even refer to their approach as inter-dependent filmmaking as opposed to indie filmmaking.  Kevin directed “Dust Request”, which was shot in New Zealand with a backdrop whose beauty can’t be matched anywhere else in the world.  Zak directed “I Fucking Hate You” and “Heart of Now”, a soon to be released feature of which we saw the trailer.  Zak’s film had a more traditional structure, but still maintained the raw style of all the films that allowed the audience to really connect with the characters.

What I loved about all the films is that they stirred an emotion in me.  They weren’t all wrapped in a nice neat box.  They were the type of films that you can leave the theater and discuss.  They were the type of films that you can look for metaphors in and debate the meaning of.  But they weren’t films that felt like pretentious art.  It was the perfect balance of artistic cinema and good storytelling.  Everything about it felt organic and that was confirmed during the Q and A and in speaking with Kevin afterwards.

“A Short Film About Letting Go” is about two different relationships – one coming to an end and one just beginning.  A couple is breaking up near the beach, remembering the good times, but also knowing it’s over.  A father is starting a relationship with a son and accepting the difficulties that lie in being a part of his son’s life.

Sabi seems to use scripts in their films as a guide rather than a blueprint.  “ASFALG” was nearly entirely improv.  It was a collaborative project, one where there was a large amount of trust put into the cast and crew to bring life to the story and their characters.  I think they accomplished that goal.

This style isn’t for everyone.  I know some people enjoy point A to point B, and a lot of times I do too.  It’s easier.  I’d compare it to reading.  Sometimes you want a good book and sometimes you want good literature.   For those who want the latter, check out and support Sabi Pictures.  You won’t be disappointed.