V4's First Visionary Highlight: Neil Blomkamp -- By Jake Chamelin

        When looking at the early careers of filmmakers, it’s always intriguing how the passion for film unites such different individuals. So many different modes and methods are brought together, and this diversity is what makes filmmaking an active art form, a living and breathing, ever evolving entity. The modern era of filmmaking is one of exceptional excitement, with filmmaking becoming more readily available to the masses, and film education rising to new heights. As Visions Film Festival & Conference begins its series looking at visionaries of film, we will honor filmmakers who have risen to prolific heights, and will examine their early works and how their paths first began.

      South African born Neill Blomkamp is a perfect example of a filmmaker who developed a signature style that is far advanced for an individual of such a young age. Blomkamp is the director of the stunning film District 9 (2009), and this newest is the sci-fi thriller Elysium (2013). Blomkamp was born in Johannesburg, and from an early age displayed a technical proficiency with graphics and animation. Blomkamp met friend and future collaborator Sharlto Copely while attending high school in Johannesburg. Copely made use of computers at his production company that allowed Blomkamp to create 3D works for pitches in his various projects. Blomkamp would later state that the apartheid government of South Africa proved an extreme influence on his later films, and the themes of oppression, injustice, and angst are pillars of his work. At age 18, Blomkamp’s family moved to British Columbia, and he attended Vancouver Film School, furthering his craft of animation and digital effects. Blomkamp created images for Popular Science magazine in 2003 and 2004, before moving on to Rainmaker Digital Effects. Later he signed with Toronto commercial creators, Spy Films.

So impressive were Blomkamp’s early works, (including the short Alive in Joburg, the basis for the hit District 9) that he was hired by 20th Century Fox to direct a feature length Halo film, an adaption of the insanely popular video game franchise. This was to be produced by Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson, who came to know of Blomkamp through his commercial work and short films, which were shot in his off time. Blomkamp developed a style of mixing incredibly detailed and advanced computer animation, and gritty lo-fi footage This blending creates a unique film environment that has depth and comes to life on the screen. While the Halo film eventually fell through, Blomkamp and Jackson maintained their relationship, and Jackson shifted his production to Blomkamp’s 2009 debut, District 9 (photo below).

    At only 34 years old, Blomkamp is just one example of how raw talent and determination can make a major splash in the filmmaking community. His style, highly political messages, and worlds that he brings to life and invaluable additions to the film community. It is for these reasons that we recognize Neill Blomkamp as a filmmaker, and a visionary in the truest sense.

 
Written by Jacob Smith Chamelin

Web Content Writer

Visions Film Festival & Conference

Wilmington, NC 
Visit our website: www.visionsfilm.org