Art Films and Short Films by Anja Kersten
Art Films and Short Films by Anja Kersten
As a performance artist, improviser, and actress, I've created a diverse range of films over the years, including art films, performance art pieces, short films, and experimental works. Many of these were born from improvisation, sometimes in collaboration with other artists.
If you enjoy my films, you might also appreciate my story podcast, which features original stories, musings, and memoirs for further inspiration.
Just gonna walk away 2019
In 2019, a chance encounter during my travels in Canada led me to meet the talented Paul L. Clark. He was searching for a performance artist to collaborate with on a unique music piece, and I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity. With only one afternoon to bring the project to life, we improvised our way through the creative process. The result was a delightful and unforgettable collaboration, culminating in the creation of 'Just Gonna Walk Away.
Inside 2016
In 2016, while attending a wedding on the picturesque Inish More in Ireland, I serendipitously stumbled upon an ancient beehive. With a camera in hand, I couldn't resist the opportunity to capture the moment. Embracing the spontaneity, I began to improvise, letting the surroundings inspire me. This art film is the result of that impromptu creative exploration, showcasing the beauty and unexpected discoveries found within the Irish landscape.
Cassandra 2011
In 2011, I collaborated with artist Caro Woods to create 'Cassandra,' an art film that pushes the boundaries of storytelling. While I developed the story line, we opted not to use a storyboard, choosing instead to let our intuition guide the creative process. Throughout filming, we embraced improvisation, allowing the narrative to evolve organically. The result is a powerful exploration of a woman caught between two worlds, grappling with her search for belonging and identity.
Frank & Kate 2013
Frank & Kate' is a short film that premiered at the Film Festival Cornwall in 2013. This project was a collaboration with photographer Tony Brown, where we started with a basic concept for the characters and subject matter. However, we allowed our creativity to flow freely by improvising most of the scenes. This approach led to a unique and spontaneous final product, showcasing the power of collaboration and improvisation in filmmaking.
Home is where you are / Rage
Home is where you are' and 'Rage' are two distinct performance art films that delve into the powerful emotion of anger, yet explore it through contrasting approaches. 'Rage' was a collaborative effort with Jordan Jackson, bringing together our artistic visions to examine the force of anger. On the other hand, 'Home is where you are' was a solo creation, with no camera operator involved, allowing me to explore the depths of anger through my personal lens.
I am fear
I Am Fear' is a deeply personal performance art film born out of my experience living with Hashimoto's, an autoimmune condition that can trigger anxiety. Through this film, I aimed to express and explore the emotions that arise from my condition. The poem featured in the film was written and performed by the talented writer Rachel Rouncefield, adding a powerful layer of depth to this introspective work.
Transformation Series
Art films working with artist Caro Woods