It always seems that the best films here explore the spaces between our humanity and our technology, and this one is a great example of that form. The pacing was deliberate, and lets us share this virtual space with the characters before the human, emotional heart of the story is revealed. I am left thinking about how I would make use of this technology in a similar situation, and how it would be gratifying and disappointing all at once. This one will stay with me a while, I think...
Insightful review Ed, thanks for sharing with us. Also, glad you are picking up on our exploration between humanity and technology, that is at the core of DUST
@Ed Bailey. The Reality of our existence is that we can never get back what we lost. So then, can VR ever serve as therapy for the grief-stricken shipwrecked soul? I'm reminded of what Kirk said to McCoy in Star Trek II: TWOK, "As a physician, you of all people Doctor should appreciate the danger of re-opening old wounds."
As great as such technology would be, and as useful as it might be. I for one would be a bit afraid that it would take me over the edge. To me it is a reminder to tell those that we love how we feel about them right now. It is to late when they have gone from us. I realize that this could be a great tool, but maybe it would make some people go even deeper into a cyber type of existence/life style that would get farther and farther away from reality, because then you'd never have to truly let that person go. Some may not be able to come back, or even want to do so, yet we all are based in the physical world. On the other hand, is this our next step in evolution? Do we begin with cyber-implants that make life emotionally better, or that help us perform our task better? How do we program a machine that takes our chemical signals, and brain waves and translate those signals into code that a machine understands, and lets the machine send information back to us?
I've spied a couple comments asking for information about the music in the film! The song is a civil war era love song titled Aura Lee (and sometimes Aura Lea). The singer, and the actor playing Amanda is me! I had previously uploaded an earlier version to my TH-cam channel - th-cam.com/users/amandajerrymusic Aura Lee: m.th-cam.com/video/08mcrWSo5NE/w-d-xo.html Someone actually shared this link here already, which was really cool to see! The great Maxwell Transue and I recorded a couple takes of the song which he beautifully produced into the version over the credits. 😎 Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment on our film!
10:36 The range of emotion on her face reads like a thick and deep novel. I can't help but wonder what memory the actress had to recall to give that moving bit of film that I will never forget
So - has anyone else besides me had dreams just as vivid as this about a lost loved one? I mean, often my dreams are more "real" than when I'm awake & I can't wait to go back to sleep again. They also have continuity over time. Real life feels so dull by comparison. Perhaps I'm dreaming now and the dreams are the true reality.
In all honesty yes. Part of the grieving process. From my own experience they change over time and become less frequent and intense. Hope they are happy dreams 🙏
At the end, I could then make sense of the "digital" pixelation from the beginning as she was obviously "connected". This was a very powerful yet sad story of that which we hold dear, whether a person, a memory or both. Notice the pulsating of the computer's light as she lays her head and hands on it, almost like a beating heart is inside. Nicely done!
That's something my wife and daughter would say. They have some kind of anxiety that makes situations that seem completely ordinary to me very overwhelming to them. It's hard for me to understand. It just doesn't happen to me. Ever. I have been through car crashes, motorcycle accidents, life-threatening weather, combat, fights, drugs, disease and nothing overwhelms me. It must be awful.
I’ve had 4 family deaths in the last 12 months, including my own daughter in April 2019. If there were a way to reconnect, I would never want to leave. Except, I wouldn’t want her to return to a life of sickness and pain.
Sincerely so sorry for your losses.... I lost my mom and a few others this year... Praying for you now... For some peace of heart and mind... Love from Texas💕
@@funniebunnie4u Thank you. I’ve lost 2 more female family members since, just 2 months ago, including the sister of my heart, one of my sister in laws. She was one of my best support when my Laura died. 💕🐝🇺🇸🎄
@@namine3023 Thanks. There were two more deaths. So a total of 6 female family members in two years. But this year I am starting to return to the living. The grief is just as agonizing when it comes, it’s just less often.
I’ve been weeks now watching these Dust shorts and this one is definitely one of my favourites. Incredible job…thank you all! Btw, that song was absolutely beautiful, too!
While the acting may not (yet) be Oscar level, I think we should keep an eye out for this gal. I don't think that she could have done better in this role. It was very well written as well as the direction, cinematography, etc., etc., etc. A real nice piece.
So well done. Reminds me very much of dreams i used to have shortly after losing someone. Used to dream of good times like old memories and then midway through, would remember they had passed. Whether to tell them of whats to come or to enjoy the moment. The mind is a strange thing 🙏🧐
Wow! I haven't seen this. It could be very therapeutic or It could be very dangerous. This small video was intensive/ intense and well presented. More than likely this level in scientific advancement is around the corner. This device pulls memories from the mind and brings them to life. The scenic treasure of Humboldt County, CA. was an amazing backdrop for the filming of this video. Positive vibes.
Who said that you needed a big budget for sci-fi... how about windows movie maker effects and the inside of a construction helmet with some LEDs for sole special FXs, and your uncle's farm as the location? Genius. I guess people are still gonna complain that they lack the money because they lack the vision.... tbh
Just thinking about all the great actors, directors and the rest of the crew making these short movies... In a way I'm glad they're not in bigger leagues, most of them anyway. This way we can enjoy top noch work without the burden of box offices, high profile stars or cults of personalities. Thank you all for being being humble enough to make all this great stuff for us :)
Fantastic! Bravo! When I saw the original effects I worried that this wouldn't be worth my time, but wow was I wrong. And, you know what, the effects work. Adds to the feel, which is exactly what they are for. I could feel the yearning and loss. Could feel how she knew it wasn't quite real, but how being immersed in it stripped away her defenses from sheer need. I think this is the finest DUST film I've seen.
I wish I could use this. But I think it would break my heart all over again once I came out. I miss him so much. If this was real tho I would do anything in my power to let his mom see her baby again. That’s what’s hurts the most in loosing him. The bond he had with his mother. And how she has to be here with out her son. It’s only been what two and half years but I miss him so much.
The most touching movie I ever see on this wide topic, and in addition I was not even able to see the end coming. Kuddos for such a wonderful movie in such a short format !
what an evil invention. no. this piece is very good art. the fact that even the person who made it happen didn't understand what it would mean was a nice touch.
Imagine when VR gets to this level. I would go in and relive times with my parents, my daughter, my grandparents, everyone that has passed on before me. Our brains store everything over our lifetimes and to be able to tap in to those stored events, or create new ones with loved ones, would be so wonderful. For now though, dreams will do. I need to learn Lucid dreaming. Yeah. I need to learn it.
Would have been an even better ending if she deleted the file at the very end, saying goodbye to her lover for good. I was waiting for this to happen...
omg this is creepy! yet alluring... keeping someone's essence digitally after they're gone, interacting with them in simulations... yeah that's healthy
There's potential here but the guy gave off such weird vibes that if he wasn't written to have something wrong or off about him then I don't know what was going on
I think the guy was written that way on purpose. The entire thing seemed to be based on the still-living woman grieving for her lost love, and the brother awkwardly but lovingly trying to offer her some solace. He wants to help his dear sister, and he doesn't know exactly how (who does, really, in the face of such deep loss?), but he's trying as best he can. As "pandagirl42087" stated before me, "It's normal".
Generic Username - well said. Actually the first few minutes were really awkward, which again, you’d expect had you known what was going on. I think all involved did a great job of making this uncharted territory seem real.
the storytelling got me. well acted. I found the color correction to be inconsistent which pulled me out of the story for a bit but then the acting pulled me back in
Omg "harold" is a great Fallout reference. Harold is the name of character who become bonded and has a tree grow out of him in the fallout games ... or its just a coincidence
Some technology approaches can sometimes lead to emotional confusion. Longing, sadness and love. When humans do not have photography skills. And when there are photos and videos. Accept your feelings. Keep the memories as they are. 'The flowers wither, but the fragrance remains. '
Principal actors are not identified in the credits. It appears that Amanda was played by Amanda Leigh Jerry, and Cat by Colleen Pulawski, both of whom performed wonderfully and have a great future in video and film.
Levi Don’t know, but my searches showed that both are on various social media and websites, and each of them can be found in about 60 seconds, once you know who they are.
10:33 Omg the lead actress got me crying. I could feel the loss and the turmoil of re-seeing the memory so crystal clear and yet knowing it wasnt real, and she couldnt bring her back but surrendering to the desire to let her know how much she loves her one last time
This is very touching. Very well made and performed. This film makes me look within to see what I believe about being human. It will stick to my mind like honey. All about love! Thank you. ps- DUST!
I really like these DUST videos. It's a shame that TH-cam jams so many ads before, into, and after them that it spoils it. I guess they are trying to get everyone to subscribe. "Yes! For only $1,000/month, you too can have 33 different streaming services!"
Hopefully this kind of technology will never exist. Its much easier when someone close dies to simply let them go and move on with our own lives. Loss is impactful on our daily routine but what we all need to do is close those chapters and embrace the new
This tech is in the works. All it needs is data. As much data as possible then the AI just needs to predict everything between the data points. 2050 is going to be nuts.
It always seems that the best films here explore the spaces between our humanity and our technology, and this one is a great example of that form. The pacing was deliberate, and lets us share this virtual space with the characters before the human, emotional heart of the story is revealed. I am left thinking about how I would make use of this technology in a similar situation, and how it would be gratifying and disappointing all at once. This one will stay with me a while, I think...
Insightful review Ed, thanks for sharing with us. Also, glad you are picking up on our exploration between humanity and technology, that is at the core of DUST
@@watchdust thanks! It's been a fun ride, looking forward to what you'll be bringing us next...
@Ed Bailey. The Reality of our existence is that we can never get back what we lost.
So then, can VR ever serve as therapy for the grief-stricken shipwrecked soul?
I'm reminded of what Kirk said to McCoy in Star Trek II: TWOK, "As a physician,
you of all people Doctor should appreciate the danger of re-opening old wounds."
@@X2FileWrightonite well said, and a great Trek quote, too!
As great as such technology would be, and as useful as it might be. I for one would be a bit afraid that it would take me over the edge. To me it is a reminder to tell those that we love how we feel about them right now. It is to late when they have gone from us.
I realize that this could be a great tool, but maybe it would make some people go even deeper into a cyber type of existence/life style that would get farther and farther away from reality, because then you'd never have to truly let that person go. Some may not be able to come back, or even want to do so, yet we all are based in the physical world.
On the other hand, is this our next step in evolution? Do we begin with cyber-implants that make life emotionally better, or that help us perform our task better? How do we program a machine that takes our chemical signals, and brain waves and translate those signals into code that a machine understands, and lets the machine send information back to us?
I've spied a couple comments asking for information about the music in the film!
The song is a civil war era love song titled Aura Lee (and sometimes Aura Lea). The singer, and the actor playing Amanda is me! I had previously uploaded an earlier version to my
TH-cam channel -
th-cam.com/users/amandajerrymusic
Aura Lee:
m.th-cam.com/video/08mcrWSo5NE/w-d-xo.html
Someone actually shared this link here already, which was really cool to see!
The great Maxwell Transue and I recorded a couple takes of the song which he beautifully produced into the version over the credits. 😎
Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment on our film!
Was just talking to the kiddo about 'representation is important'
Thankyou so much for your part in this beautiful film
10:36 The range of emotion on her face reads like a thick and deep novel. I can't help but wonder what memory the actress had to recall to give that moving bit of film that I will never forget
So - has anyone else besides me had dreams just as vivid as this about a lost loved one? I mean, often my dreams are more "real" than when I'm awake & I can't wait to go back to sleep again. They also have continuity over time. Real life feels so dull by comparison. Perhaps I'm dreaming now and the dreams are the true reality.
yeah but most of them are sci fi
and not from this planet
No not really, since I can fly and control people which is impossible
In all honesty yes. Part of the grieving process. From my own experience they change over time and become less frequent and intense. Hope they are happy dreams 🙏
Sometimes!
One time the loved one wasnt in the dream but people kept periodically telling me to move on,,
This is the way story telling should be. The acting, the videography, the story, all of it was excellent and very much a winner in my eye! Thank you.
At the end, I could then make sense of the "digital" pixelation from the beginning as she was obviously "connected". This was a very powerful yet sad story of that which we hold dear, whether a person, a memory or both. Notice the pulsating of the computer's light as she lays her head and hands on it, almost like a beating heart is inside. Nicely done!
"Stop the ride. I want to get off!" Been there.
That's something my wife and daughter would say. They have some kind of anxiety that makes situations that seem completely ordinary to me very overwhelming to them. It's hard for me to understand. It just doesn't happen to me. Ever. I have been through car crashes, motorcycle accidents, life-threatening weather, combat, fights, drugs, disease and nothing overwhelms me. It must be awful.
Her singing was really lovely
Would love to hear more of Amanda singing songs such a soft voice ❤️
She has a TH-cam channel where she shares covers and original songs. My favorite is Sirensong. Search for Amanda Jerry. :)
I like this version of Aura Lea better than what she did on her channel.
@@JunoXL I do too lol
Reminded me of Elvis singing Love Me Tender.
I’ve had 4 family deaths in the last 12 months, including my own daughter in April 2019. If there were a way to reconnect, I would never want to leave. Except, I wouldn’t want her to return to a life of sickness and pain.
Sincerely so sorry for your losses.... I lost my mom and a few others this year... Praying for you now... For some peace of heart and mind... Love from Texas💕
@@funniebunnie4u Thank you. I’ve lost 2 more female family members since, just 2 months ago, including the sister of my heart, one of my sister in laws. She was one of my best support when my Laura died. 💕🐝🇺🇸🎄
I’m sorry for your loses only one thing I can say you will see them all again…
Im so sorry for your loss! Praying for you and hope you're doing as well as you can now!
@@namine3023 Thanks. There were two more deaths. So a total of 6 female family members in two years. But this year I am starting to return to the living. The grief is just as agonizing when it comes, it’s just less often.
I’ve been weeks now watching these Dust shorts and this one is definitely one of my favourites. Incredible job…thank you all! Btw, that song was absolutely beautiful, too!
Amanda Jerry steals the show. She was brilliant.
This was both lovely and heartbreaking. I cried.
While the acting may not (yet) be Oscar level, I think we should keep an eye out for this gal. I don't think that she could have done better in this role. It was very well written as well as the direction, cinematography, etc., etc., etc. A real nice piece.
Amada Leigh Jerry is very talented. I've seen her before in other movies but wasn't sure who she was. She played AMANDA in this.
So well done. Reminds me very much of dreams i used to have shortly after losing someone. Used to dream of good times like old memories and then midway through, would remember they had passed. Whether to tell them of whats to come or to enjoy the moment. The mind is a strange thing 🙏🧐
Wow!
I haven't seen this.
It could be very therapeutic
or
It could be very dangerous.
This small video
was intensive/ intense
and well presented.
More than likely
this level in
scientific advancement
is around the corner.
This device
pulls memories
from the mind
and brings them to life.
The scenic treasure
of Humboldt County, CA.
was an amazing backdrop
for the filming of this video.
Positive vibes.
imagine being on a camping trip and seeing 3 people hug a tree screaming *”i LoVe YoU hArOlD”*
I dont get it but ppl can be weird
I would join them... 🥰... because Harold deserves love too 😂❤️
to be honest I would love to see it
Harold, you mean that ghoul from Fallout with a mutfruit sapling on his head ?
I could listen to Amanda sing all day long
Oh my gosh. That was deep. And sad.
I know.
Im sitting here at lunch, big old grizzled machinist, with a lump in my throat. Tears at the corner of my eyes.
@Melissa,
Most of them are. In one way or another.
Best acting ive seen in a long time.
Who said that you needed a big budget for sci-fi... how about windows movie maker effects and the inside of a construction helmet with some LEDs for sole special FXs, and your uncle's farm as the location?
Genius.
I guess people are still gonna complain that they lack the money because they lack the vision.... tbh
Some of the best shorts are low budget. We need to support independent film makers!
and a really good actor..
Beautifully heartbreaking.
Just thinking about all the great actors, directors and the rest of the crew making these short movies... In a way I'm glad they're not in bigger leagues, most of them anyway. This way we can enjoy top noch work without the burden of box offices, high profile stars or cults of personalities. Thank you all for being being humble enough to make all this great stuff for us :)
Fantastic! Bravo! When I saw the original effects I worried that this wouldn't be worth my time, but wow was I wrong. And, you know what, the effects work. Adds to the feel, which is exactly what they are for. I could feel the yearning and loss. Could feel how she knew it wasn't quite real, but how being immersed in it stripped away her defenses from sheer need. I think this is the finest DUST film I've seen.
I wish I could use this. But I think it would break my heart all over again once I came out. I miss him so much. If this was real tho I would do anything in my power to let his mom see her baby again. That’s what’s hurts the most in loosing him. The bond he had with his mother. And how she has to be here with out her son. It’s only been what two and half years but I miss him so much.
Sorry for your loss. Even though you'll never forget... Maybe time will lessen the pain.
Simple, elegant, wonderful.
this channel reminds me of black mirror
Yandelay Aguilar omg yes and you should watch the oa on Netflix it’s as good as black mirror (:
You don't say... :-p
@@josephineleyva398 oa sucks ass
🤔i was thinking the same thing
Igual yo
She gives off a very Scarlett Johanssonesque vibe
I thought that... when she was hugging the tree.
And Katherine Heigl
I concur. I see it in the face shape a bit & eye shape as well
Exactly what I thought. Her voice sounded just like Scarlett.
Like.. Lucyesque
possibly the most haunting science fiction i've ever seen.
but I lost the love of my life very young, so perhaps I'm biased.
This film gave me multuple goosebumps! Wow, so good it was!
The most touching movie I ever see on this wide topic, and in addition I was not even able to see the end coming.
Kuddos for such a wonderful movie in such a short format !
I just want to commend the fantastic intro and hints to VR throughout. Very nice touches done very well.
A bit of "movie to show singer", but finally pretty positive use of this kind pf technology, against the common trend here. Thumbs up.
Excellent. Superb story telling, acting and production are well done.
Those actors are really, really good. Bravo!
Beautiful, but scary. The scariest scene is where, at the end, she is holding the machine in her arms. So many imany implications....
Right. The experience being so immersive/realistic to her.
Bravo! Simply awesome, and awesomely simple. Great storytelling and acting that legitimately made me cry :/
This was very good. Shed a few tears. Thanks.
What incredible acting on everyone's part. Brilliantly done.
I put the thumb up because the singing starting at 6:32. This actress signs very well. 😍
Amanda needs more acting gigs she was great
This hits incredibly hard.
Fantastic the short fims movie. I liked the melody of music and her voice. Good argument.
Wow! That actress can really SING! Awesome voice!
what an evil invention.
no.
this piece is very good art.
the fact that even the person who made it happen didn't understand what it would mean was a nice touch.
Imagine when VR gets to this level. I would go in and relive times with my parents, my daughter, my grandparents, everyone that has passed on before me. Our brains store everything over our lifetimes and to be able to tap in to those stored events, or create new ones with loved ones, would be so wonderful. For now though, dreams will do. I need to learn Lucid dreaming. Yeah. I need to learn it.
A very touching, mystifying story of the universe of the heart.
HOLY SHIT!!! Just gonna watch again. Because WOW, I understand more now.
and i watched 2 more to let it sink in. WoW
That was excellent!
I’m not crying. You’re crying. Okay. I’m crying.
I feel like Catherine never took the chance to say "I love you" to Amanda while she was alive.
It’s beautiful.
I hit replay to hear that beautiful voice again.
Beautiful .. simply beautiful artwork
This was beautiful and painful.
Amanda.exe has stopped responding
Would have been an even better ending if she deleted the file at the very end, saying goodbye to her lover for good.
I was waiting for this to happen...
I was kinda waiting for her to go nuts and smash the machine. I was like 'Don't do it! You'll have to pay for it!'
More ominous words have never been said... "You wanna take a look at the greenhouse?
I don’t know what that means
That was my tree,i need not give you permission to hug lily...
Beautiful.
omg this is creepy! yet alluring...
keeping someone's essence digitally after they're gone, interacting with them in simulations...
yeah that's healthy
There's potential here but the guy gave off such weird vibes that if he wasn't written to have something wrong or off about him then I don't know what was going on
I agree my friend.
People act awkwardly when people around them are grieving. It's normal.
I think the guy was written that way on purpose. The entire thing seemed to be based on the still-living woman grieving for her lost love, and the brother awkwardly but lovingly trying to offer her some solace. He wants to help his dear sister, and he doesn't know exactly how (who does, really, in the face of such deep loss?), but he's trying as best he can. As "pandagirl42087" stated before me, "It's normal".
Generic Username - well said. Actually the first few minutes were really awkward, which again, you’d expect had you known what was going on. I think all involved did a great job of making this uncharted territory seem real.
Mr A-H0Ie you point this out and I see it and I’m disgusted.
Same way I was disgusted with the movie “a dogs journey”.
the storytelling got me. well acted. I found the color correction to be inconsistent which pulled me out of the story for a bit but then the acting pulled me back in
omfg i didn’t except this to be a sad gay short film but it was a nice surprise
Heartwrenching.
Very trippy, good.
0:00
me during a test:
*Breathing intensifies*
Omg "harold" is a great Fallout reference. Harold is the name of character who become bonded and has a tree grow out of him in the fallout games ... or its just a coincidence
Its just a coincidence...but i lol when she said the name Harold:)))
"Amanda_Test1" sounds like a good name for a variable
Some beautiful trees in this video, a magnificent Weeping Willow in the beginning scene and that grove of Sequoias in the tree-hugging scene.
Neat ‘thought’ effects here. Great acting too as usual.
I love and stan Harold the girl tree.
Some technology approaches can sometimes lead to emotional confusion.
Longing, sadness and love.
When humans do not have photography skills.
And when there are photos and videos.
Accept your feelings.
Keep the memories as they are.
'The flowers wither, but the fragrance remains. '
What song was Amanda singing? I want to hear the full version
Aura Lea
Brilliant short about the human need to connect. Enjoyed it.
quite provocative
Principal actors are not identified in the credits. It appears that Amanda was played by Amanda Leigh Jerry, and Cat by Colleen Pulawski, both of whom performed wonderfully and have a great future in video and film.
She have Instagram?
Levi Don’t know, but my searches showed that both are on various social media and websites, and each of them can be found in about 60 seconds, once you know who they are.
When my dad told me about hippies and tree huggers I think this is the literal term of that
You could always try it 1st person, no stds
I saw this on Facebook last night....I thought it was weird then and I still do. What in the world is DUST doing‼️
That was neat.
"Stop the ride I wanna get out". I feel like that as well often. Existence is a ride from hell.
I know that tree, that,s not Harold!
Beautiful film 😍❤️
Thank you :)
10:33
Omg the lead actress got me crying. I could feel the loss and the turmoil of re-seeing the memory so crystal clear and yet knowing it wasnt real, and she couldnt bring her back but surrendering to the desire to let her know how much she loves her one last time
This is very touching. Very well made and performed. This film makes me look within to see what I believe about being human. It will stick to my mind like honey. All about love! Thank you. ps- DUST!
Absolutely loved this one so much
Great short!
Catherine reminds me so much of Scarlet Johannson. Her looks and mannerism.
She reminds me of Deborah Ann Woll aka Karen from Daredevil
applaud
Woooww 💖
Excellent
I really like these DUST videos. It's a shame that TH-cam jams so many ads before, into, and after them that it spoils it.
I guess they are trying to get everyone to subscribe.
"Yes! For only $1,000/month, you too can have 33 different streaming services!"
Hopefully this kind of technology will never exist. Its much easier when someone close dies to simply let them go and move on with our own lives.
Loss is impactful on our daily routine but what we all need to do is close those chapters and embrace the new
This tech is in the works. All it needs is data. As much data as possible then the AI just needs to predict everything between the data points. 2050 is going to be nuts.
I guess one must be a tree hugger to understand the depths of human sorrow, or being lost in space. Your own space
I'm curious as to where this was filmed. It looks like someplace in the north, perhaps Canada or New England.
Anyone know?
Hey Douglas! This is Robert, the producer and actor who played "Bob", it was filmed in Sonoma County in Northern California.
@@roberthope88 Sonoma, Interesting. Okay, thanks.
It could have been filmed up your butt, but it wouldn't have helped.
@@roberthope88 Well done!
The title seemed somewhat misleading. I was expecting an experiment when in fact, it is about a form of VR grief councilling, fully realised.
Where could I find the name of the actors ? The credits are cut before they appear on screen. Very heart touching movie, thank you.
Well done. Very good acting. I really cared about the characters.
These shorts are great! How are you not on Netflix? :)
I’m glad it went well... I think.
So beautiful