From the Film Maker

My inspiration came from taking a step back from the painting, and looking at the fact that its painter was known only as a ‘Follower’ of Rembrandt. In effect he (or she) is now only remembered as a footnote in someone else’s life story. With this in mind I devised the film to ask questions such as ‘What does it mean to copy and practise someone else’s style? Why would anyone do this? Is it detrimental to their sense of self?’ Last, but not least, it asks how someone could break out of this pattern, and accept themself. The piece steps away from the bleak aesthetics of the painting, only invoking them when the film’s protagonist comes to the conclusion that she has spent all of her life mimicking others. After this, at the film’s conclusion, the protagonist accepts herself, and adds new colours and textures to the painting.

Sam Mildner

A piece inspired by Follower of Rembrandt, A Man seated reading at a Table in a Lofty Room, 1628-30