The Documentary: "Pseudotachylyte"

In the documentary ‘Pseudotachylyte’, film maker Heidi Morstang follows a group of researchers, including Njord's Luca Menegon, on their expedition in Lofoten. The documentary aims to portray scientists exploring landscape; through the microscopic view of the world to an understanding of deep time. The beautiful images from picturesque Lofoten, the slow pace and the observing point of view gives the documentary an almost meditative effect and gives the audience room for reflection.

A black-and-white photo of a couple of men walking down the hill on their expedition in Lofoten.
Photo: Patrik Säfström

Associate Professor of photography at the University of Plymouth, and documentary director, Heidi Morstang followed a group of geoscientists on their expedition in Nusfjord, Lofoten. This resulted in the 60-minute long "Pseudotachylyte", a documentary providing an in-depth insight into how scientists undertake their research.

"Pseudotachylyte"  was screened at the renowned Bergen International Film Festival in 2019. The film festival wrote the following about "Pseudotachylyte":

"With Pseudotachylyte, director Heidi Morstang returns with a beautiful and deeply fascinating documentary that shows how outstanding research creates the foundation for existential truths about time, humanity and the globe we live on. With striking black-and-white images of wild and beautiful Northern Norway scenery and a curious look at the people who are eagerly exploring it, this is an educational and thought-provoking meditation on research and the past's ability to give us captivating insights into our own time."  

Heidi Morstang works with moving image, photography and experimental documentary. Her practice is rooted in the physical; she is interested in the social, mythological and archaeological histories embedded in landscapes. She uses images to explore and offer insight into complex and often subtle tensions and conflicts that characterize places, however beautiful our environment might appear. She has exhibited her photographic work and screened her films internationally since 1995. Her work is represented in several private and public collections. Read more about Heidi and her work here: http://www.hcmorstang.co.uk/.

"Pseudotachylyte" was screened at BIFF and other screenings are under planning. Until the full version is available on a screen close to you, you can enjoy the trailer here:

Pseudotachylyte_Trailer from Heidi Morstang on Vimeo.

 

Published Feb. 26, 2020 9:57 AM - Last modified Apr. 23, 2021 2:45 PM