Project Spotlight: 'Are You Sure You're Awake', Inside Mental Health and Authenticity
Joan Michel is an NJ based Filipina-American photographer and filmmaker currently studying media arts at New Jersey City University. In her work she captures narratives inspired by personal experiences that revolve around mental health, death, and trauma that people have experienced. She's fascinated with shooting analog film, color theory, narrative structures, and sadistic songs. Her work experience includes fashion editorials and social media content for clients like Ciara, MUJI, West Coast Shaving, Pili Ani, and more. She aspires to share her knowledge with others, create full-length features and be noticed as a female non-white director in the industry. She’s bold, deliberate, and dedicated to creating art that is authentic no matter how dark it can be.
How do you feel mental health is currently portrayed on screen?
I feel it has progress in the coming years and is shown in a better light in regards to actually allowing the audience to understand the psychological psyche and background of a person visually in a cinematic context.
In 2019, the film "Joker" directed by Todd Philips came out and which I was an extra on during filming. After watching it on the big screen, I can appreciate that they showed more of the upbringing and background story behind Arthur Fleck and why his motives became of who is know the infamous Joker character. I think people need to get to know a person first before judging their character based on first impressions.
How long was production for this film?
The pre-production took almost two months. I had to analyze and do research on the topics of mental health social issues that I wanted to focus on. They were relatable to me and as well that I wanted to bring awareness to such as social anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
The actually filming for the film took actually only one day which my professor took by surprised. That's why it's good to do pre-production first and then everything flows from there.
What creative decisions are you most proud of in this piece?
The newspaper burning was an example of burning fake news from media. People get influenced by the media so much that they can't formulate their own decisions. So I believe to be authentic and true to yourself, you need to just follow your own instincts and beliefs, not get brainwash by so much clutter that media shows us. I didn't know how I would achieve that particular burning newspaper shot because I didn't want the talent to get burned. So I filmed it near a river so in case we just toss it in a large body of water. I'm glad we were able to accomplish it and no one was injured.
What about film interests you as a creator?
I enjoy the fact that films helps me articulate my thoughts visually through movement. I've always just focused on photography but felt that I wanted to push it even further and do more. Motion picture allows me to put a bunch of stills together and still be one coherent piece.
What parts of production are you most passionate about?
I am currently most passionate about directing which I feel is a cliche for anyone to say. However, I feel that my strength is guiding people to work together has always been my thing. I am a well-rounded person and I feel that it's good to be knowledgable about everything and then be able to correlate ideas and have it come to life.
What's next for your creative work?
I am currently focused on more narrative pieces that are about my experiences and living as a first generation Filipina. I will continue to do more 16mm film work. But honestly wherever the universe takes me, just gotta ride the wave.
Keep following Joan’s work at her website
