Project Detail

The Artist Who Disappeared

Synopsis

When artist Sergei Ivanov moves with his partner Tszman Chan to the remote Scottish island of Papa Westray, they start an International Arts Festival, bringing an eclectic mix of artists, performers and musicians to the island from as far afield as Japan and Norway. With the festival entering its seventh year they invite their friend, filmmaker David Kew to make a documentary about their extraordinary life on the island.
But when Sergei suddenly disappears without trace on Papa Westray three months into filming, the filmmaker is forced to embark on a profound journey of discovery and contemplation. As the filmmaker interviews those left behind, each in their own way trying to make sense of Sergei’s vanishing, the film gravitates towards Tszman as she attempts to come to terms with her grief by creating an elegiac and moving tribute to Sergei on the island.
Shot over several years, THE ARTIST WHO DISAPPEARED includes profoundly moving scenes with Tszman and their daughter Snaedis in the wake of Sergei’s disappearance, interviews with islanders, artists and close family members. THE ARTIST WHO DISAPPEARED goes to the very heart of what it means to be an artist, how we judge success and failure, and the nature of loss.

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Details

Year: 2024
Type of project: Features
Running time: 75 min
Format: HD Video
Director: David Kew
Producer: David Kew, Sarah Hamilton, Tsz Man Chan
Editor: David Kew
Director of Photography: David Kew
Composer: James Hesford

Production Status

Complete

Production Company

Q Films Limited

Hermitage Moorings
16 Wapping High Street
London
E1W 1NG

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