On the Surface
Experimental Short · Macro Cinema

On the Surface

DIR. JAYASRI SRIDHAR | AMAL ZEN

July 2024

On the Surface
00:00 / 00:00
Synopsis

An experimental short observing urban lichens on concrete surfaces across Bengaluru. Co-directed by Jayasri Sridhar and Amal Zen, the film pairs extreme macro cinematography with an industrial soundscape exploring carbon cycles and urban ecology.

Director Jayasri Sridhar | Amal Zen
Role Co-Director | Cinematographer | Sound Designer | Editor
Duration 1 min 30 sec
Format Digital Macro Cinema · 1080p Full HD · 16:9
Year July 2024
Location Bengaluru, India
Macro Cinematography & Concrete Surfaces

Co-directed with Jayasri Sridhar. Used high-magnification macro optics to film lichens colonizing concrete rooftops and walls across Bengaluru. The camera frames these organism colonies as living topographies, capturing cellular textures and colors that go unnoticed in daily urban life.

Sound Design & Sonic Contrast

Designed the soundscape to contrast the stillness of the visuals with the heavy rumble of the city. Layered traffic vibrations, construction rumbles, and combustion hums to reflect how urban carbon feeds and strains these fragile bio-indicators.

Screening

Selected and screened at the CARBON Film Festival at the Bangalore International Centre (BIC) in July 2024.

Screenings & Awards
CARBON Film Festival (Bangalore International Centre (BIC), Bengaluru, India)
Official Selection & Screened 2024
Official Poster
On the Surface Official Poster
Production Stills
6 frames · click to enlarge
On the Surface — still 1
On the Surface — still 2
On the Surface — still 3
On the Surface — still 4
On the Surface — still 5
On the Surface — still 6
Full Credits
Co-Directors

Jayasri Sridhar · Amal Zen

Cinematography & Macro Imagery

Amal Zen · Jayasri Sridhar

Sound Design & Mix

Amal Zen · Jayasri Sridhar

Editing & Color Grade

Amal Zen

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