“My Own Skin” doc by College students wins at Digi60

Posted on Monday, December 21st, 2015

inymskin

“When I was 18 I split my own tongue, in my bedroom with a razorblade.” – Eric Brown, member of the body modification community

The Digi60 Ottawa Digital Filmmakers’ Festival is celebrating its twelfth anniversary this year, and the work of Algonquin College students is shining once again. This grass roots independent filmmakers’ festival provides opportunities for those entering into the emerging digital film market to screen short films. The event is based on a 60-day timeline, giving filmmakers the opportunity to build their skills, challenge themselves, and become a part of the film industry.

A group of second-year television broadcasting students at Algonquin College including Hunter Breen, Tess Elliot, Geoff Nash, Joey Korth, and Eric Bailey brought home a win in the documentary category for their piece entitled, My Own Skin. The winning documentary explores the misunderstood world of body modifications, illustrated by those who make up its community.


“I had a blast making this and I am extremely proud of the win at the Digi 60 competition,” said Breen, producer of the documentary. “Big thanks to Eric Brown and Calvin Nicol for sharing their stories and providing us with some amazing footage and insight. I’m glad it was so well received by people both inside and outside the body modification subculture. This is by far the coolest thing I have been a part of during my experience at Algonquin.”

The emotional appeal of the documentary hinges on the personal anecdotes provided by Eric Brown and Calvin Nicol, active members of the body modification community.

“I didn’t do this to be different; I did this to be me,” said Brown, 21, who has been into body modification for the past five years.

Brown noted that it started off just for fun, but now it’s become life-changing. The process of body modification allows him to see what he can do and what he can push his body to become. It is this process, and this subculture, that makes Brown feel comfortable in his skin- which is a concept that everyone is familiar with.

“Some people get cosmetic surgery, some people like bodybuilding, I like to tattoo myself, get implants, and get piercings,” said Brown, drawing a parallel with those unfamiliar with the subcultural group and practice.

In a time where self-image and self-esteem come at a premium, My Own Skin expertly grasps these notions and introduces the audience to a new perspective on the matter.

My Own Skin Director Tess Elliot celebrates the aforementioned win and her own personal nod as ‘Best Director’ in the documentary category.


Comments