No Way Through
A poster for a short-film.
I’m going to be honest with you now as you’re a lovely person after all, and I see it as paying you a compliment. If you come here often you'll know that I normally write like a smart-arse on this website (if you don't, well, I do) trying to make you laugh (or smile at least), trying to be oh-so-clever and “oh look at me with my fancy writing”, but I don’t think it’s right to do it about this little bit of work.
So, being serious for a moment, this—sorry not this, but the above—is a silk-screened poster for one of five short-films for Ctrl.Alt.Shift’s national short-film competition, which invited young film-makers to write a treatment based around a global issue.
From the five short-films we (and by we I mean Music, as I tip the hat to Jordan Stokes and Dave Simpson) designed the poster for No Way Through by Alexandra Monro and Sheila Menon.
No Way Through highlights mobility restrictions imposed by the Israeli government that are limiting Palestinians’ access to healthcare, thus violating their right to health. And as the film acts out blockade after blockade and so our poster represents the films content visually.
Phew (wipes forehead and flicks sweat from fingers) that’s the serious bit out of the way—didn’t think I’d manage it for a moment there.
And now, like those cracking ads for Pantene Pro-Vitamin Shampoo, for the science bit.
The idea tries to work on a number of levels. First of all you see this bloody big, impenetrable maze, read ‘No Way Through’ and hopefully get it. But, for full volume and healthy-looking ideas, the beginning of the maze is indicated with a little red mark, and when sent out, you are invited to have a bash at the maze with the inclusion of a red marker pen. If you have a crack, there’s a little surprise for you, as a little treat (because we’re nice like that don’t you know).
So if you’re sat there and curiosity is getting the better of you, shrug-off those feline concerns, print out the image, and have a crack at the maze. Go on, I dare you. No. I double-dare you.
Design by Music.
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The posters were initiated and curated (if you like) by Dorothy. The remarkably talented folks James Quail (Man Made, and 'HIV: The Musical) and Phil Skegg (War School and 1000 Voices—from Dorothy and LOVE) worked on the other, probably better, posters. You should have a look at their stuff—be warned though, a sudden bout of jealousy will follow.
And for a better read than mine, and more information go to the Creative Review Blog.
Photography by Shaw & Shaw.
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Nominated at the Roses Design Awards 2009.
Shortlisted at the Design Week Awards 2010.
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