Optic Nerve Film Festival

Jane Hsu

The curtain rises on MOCA’s NInth Annual Optic Nerve Festival tomorrow night. Founded by the Museum of Contemporary Art and sponsored by Starbucks (a common artist addiction), the local film festival celebrates South Florida filmmakers by selecting 17 short films and videos for public display. One of the films is ultimately purchased as a part of the museum’s collection.

This year’s 17 featured films range from 50 seconds to six minutes in length, include narrative, non-narrative and animated forms and were selected from a pool of over 60 submissions. We chatted with one of the lucky winners, filmmaker and video artist Jane Hsu, about her film, You Tube and the South Florida artist scene.Tell us about your film People Were Made to Disappear: A Tangible PrimerIt’s a how-to video about how you can make somebody disappear. It feels like you’re sitting through six minutes of your heart being out through your throat.Wow, that’s intense – what was your inspiration?My mother had a nightmare about me falling through a tube and disappearing. The film begins with that image. And the inspiration behind all of your work?I’m developing a body of work based on the eccentric people in South Florida. It’s something that draws me in. It makes my work unique. everybody can videotape something with You Tube. I’m looking for that story that nobody else can find.

How has You Tube affected your industry?I think it's a good thing, the more people who do it [upload videos], the higher the standards there are. I believe more strongly in my stories and narratives than ever.

What’s it like to be a video artist in South Florida?Miami is a great opportunity for emerging artists. You can really take a chance on working with a developing gallery. In New York galleries are very established and have established clientele, here there’s more opportunity. Plus, I’m developing a body of work based on the eccentric people in South Florida. It’s working out well, I have a lot of subject matter.

The Details: MOCA, North Miami; July 26; Screenings at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., artist reception at 8 p.m.; $5 general admission; 305-893-6211; mocamiami.org. Visit GirdleofS.com for information about Jane Hsu.