USA

USA is Finn Ickler third One Reel Super 8 film. It is a diary film portraying his ten day vacation on the Maine Island of Vinalhaven.

Vinalhaven
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Author Finn Ickler
Country United States
Genre Short film
Mediatype Super 8 film
Photos One Reel
Vinalhaven
2024

Background

Nine months after shooting USA, Finn Ickler returned to the US to shoot his next diary film. In contrast to the solo travels of his previous film, Ickler journeyed with a large group that included his girlfriend’s family. Unlike his previous trip, which relied heavily on public transit, this journey was completed entirely by car.

Themes

Given the nature of the family trip, the film emphasizes group activities. It captures moments such as a celebratory lobster dinner following an engagement and various hikes across the island. On the final night, viewers witness a local music festival held in the dark. Vinalhaven stands out as an intimate work and is Ickler’s first diary film to focus on people. Its uncut, chronological format reflects the planned structure of family vacations, both preserving and cherishing the memories depicted.

Production

The film was shot on Kodak Vision 3 500T between August 9 and 18, 2024. Since the Canon Auto Zoom 814 does not support 500-speed film, the exposure was managed manually. It was developed and scanned by Andec Cinegrell in Berlin.

A grilled Lobster Island Shore Local Music Festival
"A grilled Lobster""Island Shore""Local Music Festival"