Solar Buckler

Factory of Broken Tires was a fast-paced, proactive shoot that explores the circulation of generational isolation within rural Finland, while also commenting on outdated approaches to mental health treatment within the healthcare system.

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This project marked my first international shoot abroad, where I was brought on as the gaffer. The experience taught me how to adapt to different crews and working cultures, as well as how to communicate and articulate ideas more clearly across language and cultural differences.

Kristina and I had been friends since film school and were eager to collaborate again, having previously worked together on our graduate film.

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Working primarily with available light, small fixtures, and several 12x12 frames, the lighting approach for this short film was both subtle and challenging. Our intention was to shape harder shadows within the tire factory to reflect the isolation and unforgiving nature of Finland’s industrial labor landscape. In contrast, we used softer light to reflect the innocence of youth.

​Overall, we used the tires as a semiological symbol, representing the cyclical and cynical nature of isolation within both the factory and the wider community.