Nomadic filmmaker and digital artist telling impactful, nonfiction stories
Seeley Björkstén is a nomadic filmmaker and digital artist. They are most interested in telling impactful, nonfiction stories through film and regularly incorporate animation and unconventional creativity into their work. Their films WHO I WASN’T and LEVITICUS have won several awards at film festivals around the world. Website: bjorksten-studio.com | Seeley graduated Magna Cum Laude at American University where they studied anthropology and film, class of 2023. They are a member of New York Women in Film & Television and manage marketing for Discover the World of Communications. Seeley also works as a farmhand and snowboard instructor. As someone who believes art has the transformative power to improve society, Björkstén works to contribute to the cause of people's liberation. |
"Who I Wasn’t" is by far my most personal piece. The film is an open letter to my parents who died without ever knowing that I’m transgender. My parents got a VHS camera in 1996 and used it ardently for the next nine years, documenting quotidian moments of the family, right up until their death. For me, videos of my childhood are prickled with tragedy, something I expect many transgender people can find relatable. Although filmmaking is typically a collaborative process, I worked alone on this very personal project. Not only are most of the shots of myself, but I did everything from writing and combing through 100 hours of footage to animating and sound mixing by myself. |
"Who I Wasn't" Trailer
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