The Unseen

The Unseen follows the emotional, physical realities of three characters, wandering and musing in the midst of a volatile, chaotic post-colonial Namibia. The first character is an African-American actor who needs to play the character of a historic Namibian hero. He embarks on earnest research to discover the real story of his character. The second is a talented local musician who worries about his identity and his relationship with his surroundings. The third is a young depressive woman named Sara, who is uncertain about the value of her life. The story of these three characters converge over the fact that they are philosophical contemplations on the meaning of being alive in independent Namibia. Images are constructed like instant, painterly shots illustrating sentiment, still shots portraying scenery of people's living conditions, and close-ups gazing into the characters' interiors. These elements put emphasis on the state rather than the narrative itself ; on impression, rather than explanation. (Busan International Film Festival)