EP 115: Spiritual Transcendence with Director/Writer Joseph Douglas Elmhirst

In this episode of Visual Intonation, we dive deep into the world of Joseph Douglas Elmhirst, a filmmaker whose works explore the intricate intersections of nature, faith, and identity. Joseph’s latest film 'Burnt Milk', commissioned by the 2023 Venice Biennale, serves as a visual prayer to Jamaica, capturing the spirit of the Windrush generation and their profound influence on British society. Join us as we explore how Joseph’s art transcends mere storytelling and transforms into a potent meditation on the power of ritual, diaspora, and the complicated ties between memory and identity. 

Through his lens, Joseph captures the vivid contrast that defines Jamaican life—evoking the beauty and harshness of the island in equal measure. With influences from the likes of Pedro Costa and Francesca Woodman, Joseph’s approach to filmmaking is as much about sound as it is about vision. He draws from his cultural roots, intertwining ancestral soundscapes, such as the sounds of tree frogs from rural Jamaica, to create a rhythm that underpins his work. We’ll unpack how these sonic elements, alongside his striking visuals, build an atmosphere of timelessness, offering viewers an intimate connection to his Jamaican heritage. 

Joseph’s journey is personal, intertwined with the story of his family—most notably his sister, Ruby Elmhirst, whose creative influence helped bring his film to the world stage. 'Burnt Milk' is not just a film, but a tribute to their shared upbringing and their mother’s debut novel of the same name. We delve into the themes of motherhood and cultural heritage explored in Joseph's work, especially through the lens of the matriarchal relationships in his film 'MADA'. This project takes us on a poignant exploration of love, protection, and identity, as seen through the lives of three generations of women in rural Jamaica. 

Finally, we look ahead at Joseph’s future projects, including his research into spiritual transference and the personal influences that continue to shape his craft. Drawing from his deep connection to both his Jamaican roots and the broader African diaspora, Joseph is poised to continue challenging and reshaping our understanding of ritual, memory, and the power of cinematic storytelling. Tune in for an insightful conversation with one of today’s most captivating voices in contemporary film. 

https://www.criterionchannel.com/videos/burnt-milk 

https://www.instagram.com/josephdouglaselmhirst?igsh=MTJ3NXUwMTlqYXRmYw== 

https://vimeo.com/user55926319