After losing his vision in a terrorist attack, photographer Frankie West's life unravels, leading to isolation and abandonment. In a poignant exploration, 'After the Sky Turned Black' captures the emotional aftermath, revealing the profound impact of trauma and the transformative power of unexpected encounters.
“After the Sky Turned Black,” directed and written by Ellis Watamanuk, is a poignant exploration of the profound impact of a terrorist attack on the life of a photojournalist. The film, essentially a three-man play, intricately details the physical and mental effects of surviving a terrorist bombing, with a particular focus on the character Frankie West.
The narrative unfolds as Frankie, a renowned photographer, loses his vision in the aftermath of the attack. Once an extroverted individual, Frankie becomes a mere memory of his former self. The film takes a closer look at the challenges faced by survivors, illustrating how many victims, like Frankie, withdraw from the world, causing concern among their friends and family.
Ellis Watamanuk strikes a sensitive chord by delving into the difficulties that individuals, particularly journalists, face in coping with life after such a traumatic event. The narrative is delivered with an unhurried pace, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the emotional journey of the characters. The cinematography and scoring contribute significantly to the film’s impact, creating a moving work that resonates with the struggles of those documenting the brutal realities of conflict.
The film’s central theme also touches on the broader consequences of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. It serves as a testament to how life-altering events can forever change not only the directly affected individual but also the lives of those around them. While the film is unapologetically gay in its core, it goes beyond its specific representation, delivering a universal message about the transformative power of unexpected events.
“For a debut piece, ‘After the Sky Turned Black’ delivers a telling message indeed.” The film successfully combines LGBTQ+ representation with a broader exploration of the human experience, leaving a lasting impact on viewers. Ellis Watamanuk has crafted a work that not only speaks volumes about the risks journalists face but also serves as a compelling narrative on resilience, transformation, and the enduring effects of man’s inhumanity to mankind.
